Mom's Day #4

Pro Football Hall of Fame

While we were travelling on the highway recently Jimmy saw a sign for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and announced, "Let's go there."  So we did.  If you love football then this is the place for you. 

I'm not sure what all those trophies represent but please notice that both boys are smiling and looking forward with eyes open.  Major accomplishment.

 Here is Jimmy with the players that were inducted the year he was born-1998.

And here is Patrick with his guys from 1999.

There's not much in the Hall of Fame that relates to the Cleveland Browns. =(  No surprise to all you native Clevelanders.  We did find a Josh Cribbs jersey and I wanted to get a photo.  These are all the attemps to get a picture together.







So, you can see how all these turned out.  We had a fun time together but didn't stay too long.  The boys just like to look and not really read any of the information.  We basically just walk through.  On our drive there Jimmy asked, "Why is the hall of fame in Canton, OH?"  Well wouldn't you know it, right at the entrance is a sign titled, "Why Canton?"  I told Jimmy to read it and find the answer to his question.  When we got home I asked him why the hall of fame is in Canton.  he replied, "You don't think I read all that, do you?  It was a really long paragraph."  So proud.

Need Tanning Help?

St. Tropez Tanning Products

OK, so those of you that know me personally know that I have fair, white, pale, ghostly, whatever you want to call it, skin.  I have used and loved a self-tanner from Victoria's Secret for many years.  It is a spray, though, and it can be a pain to clean up off the floor and surrounding areas.

I just tried a new product from St. Tropez (Troe-pay) and am really happy with it.  I purchased mine at Sephora.  The aerosal foam Bronzing Mousse is definitely pricey and is applied in the evening.  It is used every other day.  The Instant Glow Body Lotion is used daily as a touch-up, just to even everything out.  I purchased both products because that's what the salesperson recommended and hey, they're the experts. 

The products are easy to use.  There is a slight odor to the mousse, but nothing horrible.  Just be sure to check the mirror for any streaks or spots you may have missed.  You can apply as much or as little as you want.  I just like it for a little color on my arms and legs during the summer months when more skin is showing ;-).

Mom's Day #3

Harry London Chocolate Factory

The boys and I decided to head to the Akron/Canton area and visit The Harry London Chocolate Factory for another exciting Mom's Day.  This is where they make all the chocolate for Harry London and Fanny Farmer retail stores. 

Our one-hour tour started with a brief video, then we walked through hallways and were able to observe the workers through windows while they made their creations.  It smelled delicious!  No cameras are allowed on the tour, therefore I actually have an excuse for my lack of pictures. 

Of course we came home with a nice stash of chocolates...

Our day ended with lunch at Ruby Tuesday's.

It was another great time with my boys.  Stay tuned for more exciting adventures.

By Request!

Super Summer Salsa

(with no picture)

I wanted to share with you a recipe for fanastic summer salsa.  I found the recipe on allrecipes.com.  I use Allrecipes to find many new recipes.  Each recipe usually has tons of reviews and it's helpful to read any of the changes other cooks have made.  This salsa is similar to Texas Caviar but it's much faster and easier to prepare.  I hope you enjoy it!

Super Summer Salsa

2 (10 ounce) cans sweet white corn

1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup rice wine vinegar

salt to taste

In a large bowl, stirl together corn, beans (rinsed), onion, red pepper, and sugar.  Stir in rice wine vinegar, and season with salt.  Drain liquid before serving.



Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

The focus of my blog was to be healthy eating for families with some fitness thrown in.  I am doing horribly with that.  Can you tell those topics are new for me?

 

I decided to share with you my recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies since it is a fave!  Everyone always asks for the recipe.  I have tried many difference recipes for these cookies but my family always says that these are the best.  I hope you like them!

 

Barb's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2/3 cup shortening

2/3 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 T. vanilla

3 1/2 cups flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

12 oz chocolate chips

 

Beat shortening and butter until creamed, add sugars, then eggs and vanilla.  In a separate bowl, combine your flour, baking soda and salt, then add all to sugar mixture.  Beat until mixed.  Add chocolate chips by hand.  Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. 

 

Please let me know what you think.  Remember, if you click on the title of this post it will take you to my actual blog where you can leave me a comment. Fun!

 

Also, I try to avoid using shortening EVER in my baking/cooking.  It is an unnatural product that our body has no idea what to do with.  So this is one of my very few recipes that includes shortening.  See, I did throw in a health tip for you!

Tower Garden Post #2

Just look at my Tower Garden!

It's growing like crazy and is so beautiful!  I have just started clipping a few of the greens for my green smoothies in the morning.  It is so easy to maintain.  I do nothing except check the water level and the pH.  I can't wait until the tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers are ready.  Stay tuned for more growth...

Mom's Day #2

It's been a little difficult to schedule my Mom's Days with my boys.  Yes, I actually need to plan it ahead of time as these kids have things to do!  After a few basketball camps and out of town tournaments I found we had an empty day.  It is a tradition that the boys and I visit the zoo each summer so we were off.  Here are some things that never change:

1.  We always get there early and get a good parking spot and beat the crowd.  Tip - the zoo opens at 10:00 but you can get in earlier if you arrive at say, 9:45, or 9:38, like we did today.  You just can't get into any of the buildings until 10:00.  I can't believe some people get there really late and have to park a mile away.  That would drive me crazy.

2.  We always put our lunch down on the same table in the same pavilion every year.  So far it has never been stolen.

3.  We always start with the elephants.  Have you seen the new Elephant Crossing?  Awesome.
4.  We follow the same path through the zoo and we are fast.

5.  Apparently it is also a tradition that I spend $7.00 for 2 slushies.

6.  We always have a fun time and these guys make me laugh so hard.  I am holding onto Jimmy's shirt in the picture because he kept backing out of the photo without me knowing.
7.  We have yet to see something exciting going on in the hospital there.  I guess that's good but everytime we go in there I am crossing my fingers that there will be some big camel laying on the exam table ready for surgery.  Or it could be something smaller, like a monkey or a turtle, or maybe it could be just an X-ray.  But nothing, nada, zero.

And here are some things that do change with our zoo trip:

1.  The boys carry the cooler.  No more lugging for me.
2.  There are no boys running ahead of me and pointing out each animal.  Sad, but true.
3.  While we were walking around Jimmy said, "Mom, I think I'm getting a little old for the zoo."  Ha, little does he know.
4.  I'm the only one who needs bathroom breaks.

So that was our visit.  I will continue to buy a zoo pass every year and enjoy every minute I have with these guys.  Who can blame me?