- Nov 1, 2018
Operation Gratitude
http://www.operationgratitude.com
https://www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy/
On Halloween Night, after trick or treating, my kids loved to look through their bags to see how many different kinds of candy they’d gotten. They would trade with each other or their friends and put my favorite candies, licorice and Butterfingers, aside for me. They were then allowed to eat as much as they wanted, after I had thoroughly checked it. They would over do it, but it was only one night… By the next day, they were over it, their bags would sit on the counter, and after a day or so, I would put the candy in the pantry and it was forgotten, that is until I would run across it the next Halloween! I really do miss those nights!
Being a huge fan of supporting the troops, I was so grateful to learn about a woman who was collecting and sending left over Halloween Candy to the them! I wanted to help and actually started collecting candy at my kids’ schools and from friends...we would box it up, include notes of gratitude and drop it off. My kids loved the idea of giving their candy to the troops, knowing that they would love it! It made everyone feel good!
Since then, an organization was started that nationalized the collection. I was so happy to find “Operation Gratitude”, https://www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy/, if you go to the website, you can find drop-off locations near you. I highly recommend this as a fun activity with kids or grand-kids. Mine loved it! It’s always great to find new ways to support our troops!
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- Oct 29, 2018
My courtship with my ex was far from smooth, after our incredibly brief first date I was showered with flowers and invited to drive down for another date. (The idea that he could drive up and see me was clearly not an option for him.) That trip ended in a nearly fatal motorcycle accident that ultimately landed me in the hospital for 9 days. Although the surgeon wanted to admit me to the hospital immediately, I delayed the surgery until after we went on a trip to Washington D.C at his insistence. While in D.C. I went for a run to try and get my energy up as I had been told we would have a long night. Imagine my surprise upon returning to the hotel room, he was ready for us to be intimate. My leg was essentially an open wound, I was exhausted from the travel and still trying to recover from my injury. When I politely declined his offer, he flew into a rage. His fury was absolute, I was directed to get out of the hotel room immediately and he began throwing my things into a suitcase. He told me to get on the first flight out of town. I was in shock and didn’t know what to do. I just stood there laughing, needless to say this didn’t help the situation. He suddenly left, saying he’d be out for the evening. He returned about an hour later full of apologies and begging for forgiveness. Underlying his remorse was the theme that if I hadn’t refused him, he wouldn’t have “had” to behave that way towards me. He begged me to get dressed and come out with him for the evening, and I did. What can I say? Love can make you do inexplicable things.
When we returned from D.C. I was immediately admitted to the hospital and underwent surgery. I spent 9 days in the hospital! While I was in the hospital recovering and in pain I received one visit from him lasting only 45 minutes. What was I thinking? Why didn’t I run then? Because the charming, funny and attentive times seemed to outweigh these "minor" low points? The fact that he was only charming, funny and attentive when he was getting his way didn’t dawn on me until I was already in too deep.
That was the first time I had seen the rage he was capable of and over the next few weeks we would see each other frequently. Of course, he still never made any effort to drive up and see me, it was always me driving down to see him. He generally put his best face forward on these occasions luring me into thinking that the ugly outburst in Washington D.C. had been an isolated incident. His intentions seemed sincere and honorable and about 9 months after we met he proposed.
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- Oct 23, 2018
Tequila Lime Cupcakes with Margarita Buttercream Frosting
These terrifying tequila cupcakes are scary... They’re so tasty you might eat a few too many! The extra bit of tequila after they’re baked makes them moist and flavorful and the margarita buttercream is light and fluffy. The nice part about these is they are fairly easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. And...if you eat a few too many, just remember the tequila made me do it!
Cupcake ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
Zest and juice of 1½ limes (equal to 2 Tbsp. of juice)
3 tablespoons of gold tequila
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
Frosting ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 ¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 ½ tablespoons tequila
Pinch of coarse salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions for cupcakes:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Line muffin tin with cupcake papers.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. In another bowl use an electric mixer on high-speed, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. About five minutes.
4. Reduce mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg.
5. Scrape the size of the bowl and add lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract, and tequila ask until combined.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Slowly adding dry ingredients and milk separately. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk until everything is combined.
7. Bake for about 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Cupcakes are finished when slightly golden. Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean they are done.
8. Let the cupcakes to cool for 8-10 minutes.
9. Brush the tops of the cupcakes with 1 to 2 tablespoons of tequila.
10. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Directions for frosting:
1. Whip butter on medium high speed with an electric mixer for five minutes. Use the whisk attachment. Reduce the speed to medium low, and gradually add the powdered sugar, scraping the sides of the bowl until all is mixed.
2. Continue to mix on medium speed for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Add the lime juice, tequila, and salt. Mix on medium high speed until fluffy. If the frosting gets a little too soft, add some additional sugar 1 teaspoon at a time until perfect.
4. Use a decorator bag to frost the cupcakes. You can use colored sugar on top to add a festive touch or zest a lime and serve with a lime wedge for color… we went for a Halloween theme.
Happy Halloween!
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