7.31.2008

What a Zoo!

Jonnie and I were able to go to the zoo last Friday with Charissa and her kids. It was a little crazy keeping track of everyone, but definitely fun. It was amazing to watch the kids get so excited about the playground, the globe or anything else that did not include animals. Charissa said next time we should save money and go to the park! Hopefully not on a day that is so hot though!

7.27.2008

Yum in a bowl...and on a cooling rack.

When my mom and I started the South Beach (almost two months ago!), I became addicted to food blogs. I'm not sure why I still read them regularly, but I think it is kind of the "want what you can't have" concept. While my photography and cooking will never be good enough to have my own food blog, I had to share these two things with you.
I saw a recipe on one of my favorites--Sugarlaws--for Sour Cherry Frozen Yogurt. I don't know about sour cherries (I don't even think I've had one), but I did want to try the recipe. It seemed very healthy and phase 2 friendly. I found the greek yogurt at Albertson's (Food Pyramid...whatever) so then I got really excited. I had to pull out the old, LOUD ice cream machine. It was a lot of work, but definitely worth it. My modifications accidentally turned the recipe into something really good! Behold my Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt...


Recipe:
•1 cup chopped strawberries

•1 1/4 cup lowfat greek yogurt

• 1 1/2 cup lowfat plain yogurt

•2 tablespoons vanilla

•1/4 cup honey

Mix all ingredients together. Follow your ice cream maker's instructions. Freeze and enjoy!


Just today I attempted the South Beach chocolate chip cookies. The recipe calls for substitutions to the traditional recipe such as wheat flour, Splenda (or Sweet 'n Low if your mom is allergic to Splenda), Smart Balance butter and the secret ingredient--fat free, sugar free vanilla pudding mix. I made some bread the other day that turned out horrendous. I was a little nervous because the recipes seemed similar, but the cookies turned out really well. Jonnie even said they were good! I am still working on modifying the recipe to make it AMAZING, but I'll let you have it when it's perfected. Here's what they looked like for now...

As I was making the cookies Jonnie said to me, "If you keep dieting you are going to turn into nothing but skin and bones!" I said, "Why do I look skinnier?" He said, "Well...you could use some liposuction in your stomach." I said, "Thanks Jonnie." That is what happens when your "diet" foods taste TOO good!

7.25.2008

If you thought Risk was long and tedious...

...try playing it with Jonnie. And instead of trying to conquer the world, try conquering Middle Earth. With the parents vacationing in Jamaica, I was left with the task of keeping Jonnie busy. Lord of the Rings Risk with an undiagnosed ADHD 12 year old might not have been the best idea ever. We are going to try the zoo tomorrow (and we have to finish our never-ending game). Wish me luck!

7.22.2008

The All-New-Nikki (a little late)

A few weekends ago Becca decided Nikki needed a makeover. I am not sure why, but Becca was insistent that we buy makeup and hair dye and create a "new Nikki." So we headed to Wal-Mart and spent about $60 on the project. I think it was money well spent. Nikki wasn't so sure...

She didn't like us dying her hair.
And she didn't like us putting on her makeup.
And even though she turned out BEAUTIFUL,
she wasn't too happy with us.
I think she has gotten used to the hair color and doesn't hate us anymore... at least I hope so... She has started wearing makeup so we consider this mission a success! :)

7.17.2008

Keep your kids away...or not

***This blog is mostly to cover the other one so maybe I can get birthday presents this year.***

I went back to the doctor today because I have side effects from the chicken pox shot. Apparently, I have a localized allergic reaction to the shot. They had to measure it and make sure it's not spreading. Fun, fun. Allergic reactions...nothing new to me. The exciting part is that I can spread chicken pox to young children. Keep your kids away from me if they haven't been vaccinated yet! Or if you are like my dad, just have them come and give me lots of hugs.

7.16.2008

Wii Fit Family Night (minus two)

I am so glad I purchased my Wii Fit. Here are two reasons why...

number 1...

and number 2...


Jonnie looked great as well. Here is his Mii skiing...


and here is what he actually looked like...


Notice there are no pictures of me. That's because I look just as ridiculous. Wii Fit is definitely worth the money though. Even if I never use it again, seeing my mother attempt yoga and "imaginary" hula hoop was priceless.

7.15.2008

What's My Age Again?

This morning I went to the doctor. I got a chicken pox booster shot. Yes, that is what pre-schoolers get. Then this afternoon I went to the chiropractor. Apparently, I have "mild" degenerate arthritic something-something in my neck. Yes, that is what 80 year olds get. I'm so confused...

7.11.2008

Welcome Back 12 12

There is this jinxed building in Bartlesville. It's had many different restaurants go in and out of business for as long as I can remember. Currently, I think it's occupied by a Mexican restaurant that steals your debit card numbers, but for a short time it was occupied by Name Brand Clothing. Their slogan is 1/2 of 1/2 price. Most people just called it NBC, but little Becca was confused by the building. She told us one time she wanted to eat at 12 12. My family has called it that ever since.
Well, now it's back--in a new location. Hopefully, it will stay. My mom and I made our first visit yesterday. We have to go back today because we were kicked out at closing, but in my short shopping time I was able to get two amazing dresses.

This one I like to call $9...

...and this one I like to call $4.
Why? Because that's how much they cost! How great is that? I came home and googled Maggie London (the name brand). They cost $150-$170 from Nordstroms! I am very glad to have NBC back in town. Now I just have to find somewhere to go where I need a fancy dress!

7.10.2008

South Dakota

My friend Jennifer doesn't understand my fascination with South Dakota. I keep trying to tell her that it has a lot to offer. I could be biased because I have had to go there almost every summer of my life. But seriously, where can you go where you can...

...see dinosaurs(I think that's a dinosaur)......stand in a really crooked house...
...get chased by a coyote...

...WHILE riding a really crazy horse...
...go gold panning...
...find rocks shaped like Oklahoma...
...and rocks shaped like presidents...
...and even find the man who literally built his house on the rocks (how very biblical of him)...
...ride a train built in 1880 with your great-grandma...
...or see views like this?

7.08.2008

ZOOLERT I LOVE YOU!

I have been trying for days, weeks and months to get a WiiFit. It was released on May 21 and it has been impossible to find. I found this website called zoolert.com a few weeks ago. They check the web every two minutes and then notify you by email if it is in stock somewhere. There have been many, many times I was sitting at my computer, saw the email pop up, went immediately to the site and they were already gone. It was getting very frustrating. Seriously, look at how much fun this family is having...
Very soon this will be my family! I found out yesterday zoolert also lets you keep their webpage open. It will make an obnoxious animal noise if a wiifit becomes available. I finally got it this morning! Stay tuned for my review! :)