Best Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER.

Ever, ever.  Really.

I have a terrible time following recipes.  Which means I could never master pastries or French cooking...BUT! I make amazing meals from scratch and can even tweak a dessert recipe to make it into something fantastic - in my own humble opinion.  ::cough::

So, I present to you my most recent creation - the BEST chocolate chocolate cookies EVER.

Preheat oven to 375F

1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup brown sugar

 In a Kitchenaid mixer, mix together the above ingredients until blended.  Add:

1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp orange juice
1/2 cup butter - cubed

Cream together for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl at 1 minute intervals.  Then add:

1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (I use Half Salt)
chocolate chips to your taste - I use 1/2 a bag or approx. 1 cup

Mix thoroughly for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl at 1 minute intervals. 
Using a teaspoon, spoon batter onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Place in oven and bake for 10-12 minutes (although my oven seems strong, so I bake them for 9 minutes).

ENJOY with a large glass of milk.

*hugs*

Expectations

I've been reading a lot of self-help books lately, marriage books in particular.  I'm intrigued by the opinions of those who are 'experts', those who are married themselves and those writing from a divorced point of view.  The differences in opinion can be subtle, depending on the authors experiences or research.  I've also found a common theme in them to be expectations.  How we all have expectations, whether known or hidden, that guide us into what we feel should be our life and experiences. 

What do you expect from your marriage?

Who do you believe should take out the trash?  Raise the kids?  Buy gifts for extended family?  How much sex should you be having?  How much money is too much to spend on something?  Who will pay the bills?  How should you be treated when sick?  Are public displays of affection appropriate?

The list can go on forever.  And, according to some experts, the expectations can change once the vows are said and done.  Apparently, the safety created by the act of marriage may bring to the surface expectations that were buried until one feels secure in their paring with a partner.  It means that even if expectations were discussed, they could have done a 180.

Now, as much as we all have expectations, I'm more interested in when those expectations aren't met.  I'm not saying that if you have unrealistic expectations, that you should feel right in being upset.  If wanting a $50,000 engagement ring from your boyfriend who works at McDonalds is your expectation...well, it ain't gonna happen there honey!  But what about those expectations that aren't unrealistic and can be achieved?  Say, wanting the bed made every morning or having someone bring you soup when you're sick?  What happens when those expectations aren't met?  Should you feel justified in being upset and disappointed?  What if you've voiced your expectations clearly to your partner and they still aren't met?  Then what?

In all of the books I've read, they don't have an answer to that question.  Do you go through life without ever receiving that expectation?  Do you hold a grudge?  Do you fight about it?  Is it the other persons fault for not accommodating that expectation?  

If two people can't agree on an expectation of one person...what then?

It's official!

January 10th has come and gone!  I officially started my home daycare on Monday.  It's been so much fun!  I have 2 little ones, plus Baby home all day and then Monkey gets off the bus in the afternoons.  I've wanted this for a long time, but now that it's here, it's even better than I had hoped.  Sure, there is crying and some small toddler 'fights' to deal with, but I get to lay on the floor and sort blocks and colour all day!  I get to bake and cook all the time - ALL. THE. TIME.  I have time during the day to keep my kitchen clean and make grocery lists and even get some laundry done while the little ones nap.

The best part?  I'm home for my girls.  I'm home but also paying my portion of the bills!  It's a wonderful thing.  Goodnight all!

*hugs*

Biggest Loser 2011

My Parents proposed an idea before New Years Day.

What about a Biggest Loser family contest?  

We'd take the whole year and whoever loses the most weight, wins the pot - which my Dad is putting up - of $500.  My Dad doesn't need to lose weight, so he's the official stats keeper.

It's a contest between my Mom, my brother, his girlfriend, myself and Mr. Penguin.  I have nothing to lose but weight!  And really, in the end we all win healthier lives (cue the cheesy music!).

Wish me luck!

*hugs*

Birthday planning

I need ideas...we are making the beginning plans of Monkey's birthday over the next month and I need help!

Some stats - 
She will be turning 6 years old (my BABY!!).
She LOVES the movie Cars and everything that goes with it.
She is an active child.
There will be both boys and girls invited.
She has requested it be at home, but I think if it were the right activity, she may want to go somewhere.
She wants to have pasta for the meal and blueberry cupcakes for dessert.
Also see here.

Thoughts?  Ideas?  I'm pretty creative when it comes to food and decorations, but I'm at somewhat of a loss over the activities...what would be fun?  What did YOU enjoy at a birthday when you were younger?

*hugs*

HP2011

My Happiness Project has begun!

I have water by my side constantly and am feeling it in my legs!  I'm not consciously walking more, but with all the extra prep work being done on the house, it's really adding up!

In bed by 10pm?  I haven't quite completed that goal each day.  The prep work is taking up so much of my days/nights.  I hope to have this under control by the end of the week.

I'm excited though!  Big things in 2011!!

Welcome 2011.

Well.
I can officially say this holiday season was nothing overly special.  I eventually put the tree up on the 18th, but I didn't decorate it (the lights are built in) and I didn't decorate the house.  I gave gifts, including 2 Secret Santas, but not much else.  Monkey and I baked and I shopped with each of the girls individually for the gifts for some family...but...meh?  I just wasn't feeling it.

With the stress of leaving my job and all of the work that entails and Mr. Penguin in exams and working his tushie off...sleep was so much more important.  If I could squeeze in a tea and snuggle/chat date with my husband, I did.  Screw everything else!

As for New Years?  I fell asleep after my shower at 8:30 at night!  People, I'm not even 30 yet!  How sad is that?!!?  Mr. Penguin woke me up at midnight to wish me a Happy New Year and then I fell back asleep.  I'm such a loser.  Geezer?  Whatever.  I'm a blast to have around, whatever you want to call me (SARCASM).

*hugs*