Cotton balls? Marshmallows? A post about the weather and other boring stuff.

Um, no. Try snow-like hail. Tonight we had a fun thunder and lightning storm and then this. It sounded like hail but when I went outside, it was like mini, soft snow balls. Totally bizarre! When it was all done, it looked just like it had snowed. I've never in my life seen hail like this. Crazy!

A couple of random thoughts:

* Did the judges seem especially mean to Marissa on DWTS tonight?

* Not one of my YCLs wants to be in charge of waterfront activities at camp this summer. Do I have to make one of them do it? I don't want to have to get mean just yet because it could totally put a damper on their camp experience (I save my mean side until we actually get to camp and they're captive.) I've begged via email already and now I have to call and put the guilt trip on a few girls. Last year it was the opposite -everyone wanted to work at the water. It's 95 degrees while we're at camp - who wouldn't want to stand in a river for three hours??? So frustrating.

* I can't wait to watch the new PBS version of Sense and Sensibility but I think I might wait until after part two airs next Sunday to watch both all together.

* I went to CPK again for lunch today. I went there six times in March. SIX! It's really bad when the busboys smile at you in recognition as you walk in. Oh and five out of the six times, I had the same dang meal. Half of a BBQ chicken chopped salad, no jicama, and then shared the Thai chicken spring rolls with whomever was at the table with me. Yum.

* If you haven't watched the show "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" on Style Network, you're totally missing out. Watch a few (they are on like five times a day) and then check back for my post about all that I have learned from watching that show. You can hardly wait, can you?

A cold glass of water and the Target ad

As I sit here on a Sunday enjoying a big glass of cold water and the weekly Target ad while I'm waiting for my dinner to finish cooking, I keep thinking about my friends, Tyler and Jeni. (They blog so they're fair game for me to blog about, right?)

We first met when they moved into my ward soon after they married. (Will it be 8 years this year? I think maybe so.) Anyway, I remember the very first day I met them but I don't think we started hanging out much until after they were asked to put on "From Cumorah's Hill" with the youth in our stake and I was asked to be one of the section leaders. Not long after that, I began spending nearly every Sunday afternoon/evening in their home (and then some!)

Jen would always cook us a lovely dinner. She hardly ever needed any of our help so Tyler and I would sit on the overflow couch in their dining room and we'd do a Sunday debrief of whatever happened that day in church. We'd all have a huge glass of ice cold water to drink because you are always way more thirsty on Sundays. We'd eat and then we'd all three go through the ads from the Sunday paper together. The Target ad was always a favorite and Jen and I would ooh and ahh over everything new and pretty inside. Then we'd play a game of 5000 or Settlers (or two) and enjoy whatever yummy treat Jen had for us for dessert (homemade ice cream? rice krispie squares with more marshmallows than cereal that we'd eat out of the pan? Yum!) It was always a great way to gear up for a Monday -- just relaxing and enjoying time with special friends.

They've since moved (um, three times?) but rarely does a Sunday go by that I don't think of them and miss them.

Love you guys!!

I passed and a Friday recipe!

1. I only missed four on my test, which I was happy about. The teachers of these courses leave a lot to be desired. I generally just studied the materials while he blathered on about his previous jobs or buying a car or whatever he was talking about at the moment. So I was happy with a minus four. Another bonus, besides passing the test? I got to sit next to a very fun and cute guy for three days. That doesn't happen nearly enough, unfortunately.

2. We had dinner group tonight. Three couples and me. I make myself do stuff like this so I get to know other people in the ward. It's not so bad being the only single girl. However, the first dinner group I was in they put three single girls with two couples. Totally lame. Kind of like those two couples were the only ones who could stand being with us or something. My last group was very fun, however. Anyway, tonight was a brand new group and it ended up fun because I brought The Great Dalmuti for us to play. I actually got two jester cards when I was the Greater Peon so I got to declare a revolution and switch places with the Dalmuti. It was fantastic! If you've never played, this will be meaningless to you but if you have, well, you're probably cheering right along with me. Oh and I have the German version of the game because I'm just that cool.

3. I bought Enchanted. Such a stinkin' cute movie!

4. The new Mariah Carey CD comes out April 15. I think I need to start a countdown on my blog. In case you weren't aware, she is probably one of my most favorite singers. Ever.

5. My almost four year old niece can recognize a picture of President Monson, which is exciting to me because her mother, my sister, was unable to name him on the cover of the latest Ensign magazine. No comments please! ;) Anyway, my sister asked her how she learned who he was and she said "Sunbeams." LOVE THAT!!

Here's the recipe for today. It's adapted from the Betty Crocker website and it's called Fudgy Brownie Trifle. I first had it at a Pampered Chef party years ago. This recipe is a little different than the PC version which has you mix the pudding and the cool whip together. But you can do that if you want -- either way works. The original recipe calls for a small container of cool whip but I'd recommend buying the bigger one and use what you think works for you or for your bowl. Also, you can use whatever pudding you like but I always use a "white" pudding like cheesecake or white chocolate or vanilla.

It's one of those desserts that looks and tastes really good AND it's so easy to make. You'll impress your friends with this one so you must try it!

Fudgy Brownie Trifle
1 package (1 lb 2.3 oz) Betty Crocker® fudge brownie mix
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
3 eggs
1 box (4-serving size) instant pudding and pie filling mix
2 cups cold milk
1 bag (8 oz) toffee bits (I just sprinkle on what looks good - never use a whole bag)
1 container (16 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan. In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, oil, water, and eggs until well blended. Spread in pan.

Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Cut brownies into 1-inch squares. Place half of the squares in bottom of 3-quart glass bowl. Make pudding mix as directed on box for pudding, using milk. Pour half of the pudding over brownies in bowl. Top with half each of the toffee bits and whipped topping. Repeat with remaining brownies, pudding, toffee bits and whipped topping.

Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Store covered in refrigerator.

Snow?

I haven't blogged all week - I'm not sure why. But this isn't going to be anything exciting except to point out that it snowed last night and it's supposed to snow again tonight. It's March. In Western Washington! It's so strange. Here are some pics looking out my front door:

Now I have to go study for a test I have tomorrow. I'll be taking it at 2 PM on Friday. If you're so inclined, shoot some good thoughts my way, will you? It's another Project Management class with yet another inferior instructor. Oh the pain...

A Friday Recipe

Okay so there's only 25 minutes left but it's still Friday so I'm not too late.

Here's a fantastic recipe for apple dip that I found in a PaperCrafts magazine a few years ago. Just remember it says it makes 12-15 servings, not 2 servings.

Candy Apple Dip
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2-2/3 cup toffee bits (of course you're gonna want to go for the 2/3 cup)

Mix everything together and chill. Or take a spoon and start eating right away. I'm sure you could use this with other fruit but it's just perfect with a slightly tart yet crisp apple. Yum!

The cupcakes I made yesterday actually turned out better than I thought. I gave away all but two. I also made Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares for the pizza & game party I attended tonight because I didn't have quite enough cupcakes for everyone. They were excellent, easy and quick and I will be making them again for sure. I had exactly one egg left and that's all they needed. Love that!

A list of why's

• Why are the receipts from Lowe's so freakin long? I bought one item and the receipt is literally 21 inches long. Yes, I measured.
• Why is it so much easier to keep my house clean since I prettified my living room?
• Why does this recipe say it makes 24 cupcakes but no matter how hard I tried, I could only get it to make 20?
• Why did I buy TWO copies of the same movie? You're thinking it must be a 4 star AFI top 100 movie, aren't you? Um, no. It's Grease 2! I'm thinking it'll have to be a blog candy prize at some point. Better tell your friends to get on my blog bandwagon now!
• Why does it seem like there are no normal, decent, single men in my general age range?
• Why do people feel like they can wear tiny little dresses to work when they probably shouldn't?
• Why do my roots grow out (grow in?) so fast?
• Why is this stuff mixed with cream cheese so dang good? Is it sweet? Is it spicy? Why, it's both!
• Why do I sometimes doubt promptings from the Spirit?
• Why was I blessed with such amazing friends?
• Why haven't I bought something cute and fun to wear to church on Easter?
• Why does American Express send me an application for a credit card every couple of weeks?
• Why doesn't everyone use online bill pay?
• Why did I overcook my 20 cupcakes?
• Why did I let myself run out of cereal?
• Why doesn't my upstairs neighbor get a non-squeaking bed? Let's just say, I'm SO glad she hasn't had a boyfriend in awhile.
• Why do I suck at goodbyes?
• Why can't my mom figure out sudoku?
• Why can't I get rid of the mugs that came with my dishes when I haven't used them once in the 10 years or so that I've had them?
• Why can't I get into "Wives and Daughters?"
• Why did I increase my Netflix subscription to unlimited when I tend to keep movies for far too long?
• Why aren't my eyelashes growing back any faster?
• Why am I still awake?

Only two days late...

Here are pics of my newly decorated living room. I really wish I had before pictures. But just imagine only the sofa and chair, nothing on the walls and you'll get an idea. I also really wish I was a better photographer. For example, why do I sometimes have little spots on my pictures? Someday I'll learn how to use my camera.

Here's my entry way. I bought the table & mirror at Costco Home, the jug and sticks at Pier One, the frames (still need to get pictures of people I love in them) at Kohl's and the cool little DVD boxes under the table at IKEA. I went to Jasmine's the other day and she had the same boxes. Funny! The framed art by the door is a cool quote by Gordon B. Hinckley. I'll post it another day.

This is the actual living room area. I still need to get something on the wall behind the lamp but it's almost there. Artwork and end table are from Costco Home, throw pillows from Kohl's, luxurious mink-like-throw from Bed Bath & Beyond and lamp from Lowe's. The Shut the Box game on the ottoman is from eBay. So fun.

This is my favorite place to sit -- my comfy chair. The lamp is from Lowe's and the basket containing all of my Wii paraphernalia is from Tuesday Morning.

The floor lamp is the one in which I tried to use one of those earth-saving fluorescent bulbs and had to go back to one of the earth-killing regular bulbs. It was truly as if I had a spotlight in the room. Horrible. I do have an earth-saving bulb in the table lamp though. Hopefully Leonardo Di Caprio will approve.

And finally, here's my cool TV from Video Only, Nintendo Wii from the Nintendo store, old DVD player from who knows where, cute "Be's" sign that Jeni brought back from Utah a few years ago and my favorite thing: my new clock from Target. You can't really see it but it has a pendulum in it. And best of all? It does not tick. I had to take one clock back because it ticked noisily. Call me Captain Hook but I truly cannot stand a ticking clock in my home.

There you have it - my fabulously lovely new living room. I love it! Now I'm working on my dining room/craft area. I hope that by the time I clean sweep/gut the room, I'll have enough money saved to buy a new table & chairs and artwork. I have to work around one of those white cube style bookcases from IKEA but I feel hopeful that I can cute-i-fy that room as well as we did my living room.

Finally -- I LOVE that Google changes their look on holidays and other times throughout the year. Go look today. I'm sorry TBA but I love Google! If Live does this, tell me!

I'm going to be late to work but didn't want La Dilettante to be bored today. Hope this helps! :)

Happy Monday

TMI alert -- but I turn into a total insomniac once a month. So annoying! Thus, I'm still awake at 10:43 PM when I should be asleep. Here's what's running through my brain right now:

1. I made these brownies tonight to give to a friend with a St. Patrick's Day birthday. They turned out great. I have a much more complicated recipe for these where you make a brownie from scratch using a can of Hershey's syrup (seriously!) but these were easy, quick, wonderful and best of all? I had all of the ingredients in my cupboard already (come on, who keeps cans of Hershey's syrup on hand??) Plus they made a ton! I had enough to give a plate to...

2. My fantastic home teacher. He came over tonight and re-hung my new mirror with these molly-screws or bolts or some thing to keep the mirror from ripping the sheet rock and then falling and breaking into a million pieces. I love having a faithful home teacher who even though he's not Mr. Handyman and he's totally and completely busy, he's always there when I need him.

3. Speaking of my new mirror, I will post pics of my newly decorated living room tomorrow. It is bee-YOO-ti-ful.

4. This is probably the most important topic of the night but Oprah's hair is just too long. Jasmine and I were discussing it and I think O's hair is out of control. I really noticed it last week when she had it back in a pony tail. Check out her show and let me know your thoughts. I really won't sleep until I know what you think. Oh but speaking of Oprah - did you see today's show with Leona Lewis singing my most favorite song of the moment, Bleeding Love? Fantastic.

5. I still love Guitar Hero but will I ever be able to move past easy and play the medium songs? EVER?!?! I guess if I played more than once every couple of weeks then maybe.

And finally, I ate at CPK for the fourth time in two weeks today. Isn't that just ridiculous? But I seriously love it and I don't think I can get sick of the BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad with no jicama nor can I ever grow tired of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar soup. Two of the world's most perfect meals. Enough said! :)

A recipe and a more upbeat, albeit long, post.

Okay, today is much better. The funk has moved on to overtake someone else (my heartfelt apologies if it's you) and I'm feeling more like my normal happy self. Phew! First a few random thoughts before I share a yummy recipe:

1. I'm not normally a fan of the Bachelor series. I've watched it here and there over the years but most of the time I'm just too embarrassed by the girls to watch. But have you seen the new Bachelor? Holy cow. And have you heard him speak? Dreamy. A guy I work with is Irish and I practically swoon whenever he calls. You gotta love a good accent!

2. I'm really looking forward to General Conference. I just called Comcast and added the BYU channel to my lineup. I normally just watch at my mom's or at a friend's house but I'd really like to be able to watch it at home too, if necessary. So I am giving them even more of my money for like 3 channels. I don't even watch the half of the ones I have now.

3. My recent iTunes downloads include: New Soul by Yael Naim, Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis, and Proud by Richard Niles (the theme song from Biggest Loser). I love the Leona Lewis song so much. It's fantastic.

4. And speaking of Biggest Loser - do you watch? If not, you should. This week's episode was both good and bad. I like that Alli got to come back and now I think I'm rooting for her to win. Bad was Mark coming back and them ending the show without showing us who got eliminated. Annoying. Although, I think I can figure out who didn't get eliminated just by some stuff I saw on the internet this week. They didn't go out of their way to keep it a big secret.

5. My goal when I was YW president was to make it through my "tenure" without anyone getting pregnant and I am happy to say no babies were had on my watch. However, I just learned of someone (not from around here) who isn't so lucky. What are 14 year old girls doing having sex? I do not understand and it just breaks my heart.

6. I've had a box of Samoas in my cupboard for one week and they're still unopened. That might just be a new record! Actually, I think I'm going to give them to my friend who is coming over to help me hang pictures & shop for lamps tomorrow. I might just make it through this year without partaking of even one Girl Scout cookie!! Woo hoo!7. I got a nice little raise and an excellent review at work this week. I love my boss - he's super kind, supportive and so very fun. Unfortunately, I cannot keep doing the job I'm doing much longer only because I will not be able to get a substantial raise next year as I make too much for my current job classification. 2008 - the year of change for me!

8. The new Top Chef - Chicago was good! I love that show. Most of their recipes are way too out there for me (Peach Pizza??) but it's a fun show to watch. Way too many f-bombs however. Wouldn't you think you'd check yourself knowing you're on TV and maybe not swear quite as much as you usually do? People are dumb.

9. One last pop culture item -- I'm excited to see Mariah on SNL this weekend. Love her.

And with that, I'm sharing a wonderful recipe a friend gave me called "Cowboy Caviar." I was going to share another bar cookie but decided I should show that I do make other things besides desserts (actually, I pretty much only make appetizers and desserts - the easiest thing for the single girl to bring to a party!!) Anyway, this is super easy, super tasty. You MUST buy the Fritos scoops to serve with this, however - that's an order!

2 cans of northern beans (white) or black eyed peas
2 cans of Green Giant white shoepeg corn
3 large tomatoes ~ chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped (to taste)
1 white or red onion, diced
3 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped (optional - I never put these in)

Mix in a large container/bowl and pour 1 cup of bottled Italian salad dressing on top and stir. Chill then serve with FRITOS or tortilla chips. Yum, yum!

A funk.

I'm in one. I've been in one all week. I've tried really hard to fake that I'm okay and I think I've been mostly successful (meaning, I haven't started bawling in front of anyone.)

It started with a challenging Sunday -- a challenge that has left me feeling like I'm a jerk and a failure and like I'm disappointing people. Of course, there's the whole "I miss my dog" element to add to the funk and then it snowballs and my mind starts focusing on all of my faults and everything that's wrong with my life. By this time, I'm firmly entrenched in the funk with no way out that I can see.

However, the little black rain cloud finally lifted when I went to the temple tonight (that's a really good place to go when you're feeling sad.) I know Heavenly Father loves me and I know he doesn't want me to be sad. I'm going to continue to try and shake the sadness off and focus on the good.

I'm already on my way.

Molly

This is going to be a lengthy post about my dog -- if you are not an animal person just move on and come back and read my blog another day. I promise I won't hold a grudge. Well, at least not for long anyway.On March 12, 2007, I made the incredibly difficult decision to have my dog put to sleep. She was an almost 12 year old shih tzu and we brought her home when she was 7 weeks old. She had a heart murmur that was causing her to struggle to breathe. She'd been on all sorts of medications for the last six months of her life but nothing was helping her to be comfortable so my mom and I took her to the vet that last time and said our goodbyes. It was absolutely horrible. So with a stack of kleenex close at hand, here's a list of Molly memories:

1. She was a tiny little 4 pound furball when we brought her home. I think the pic above is her shortly after we got her. She was so little that she'd cry for us to pick her up and help her move from the grass to the patio - that little step was too big for her.

2. We decided on the name Molly right away. I think we even named her before we got her but the name totally fit her and her personality. She had a ton of nicknames over the course of her life but the one that pretty much stuck was LaLa, which had evolved from Lolly (as in Lolly Lolly Lolly Get Your Adverbs Here!) But at times she was called Feesh, Norman, Ubu, Molly Lou Modesty and more.

3. She didn't like kids. And okay, truth be told, she didn't like a lot of people. period. Well, she liked people if they would ignore her. She got better with kids if they'd give her space and time for her to get used to them. But pretty much she loved me and my mom. I was the only one who could pick her up and hold her like a baby though - she'd growl at everyone else.

4. She loved chasing flashlight beams on the floor and stalking the squirrels and cats in my mom's backyard. It was hilarious watching her run out toward the tree where the squirrels were and then go right on past them, completely missing them. She was not the smartest dog in the world but she made up for it in cuteness. (I think shih tzus are like #70 on the intelligence list!)She also loved her rope-rope (a big rope ball that she'd put in her mouth and almost knead with her feet - kind of weird but like a pacifier almost.) She was really good at fetching and she loved chewing those throw-away plastic pots that plants come in. She also would dribble a tether ball around the backyard when she was younger. Seriously.

5. She loved treats of any kind, especially plain old milk bones. She also loved cheese, cookies, pineapple, and chicken teriyaki. Sometimes she'd run over to the neighbor's house and wouldn't come back and the only way you could get her back is to yell "want some cheeeeeeeeeeeeeese?"

6. She LOVED the snow! She'd put her nose down and run all over the backyard and then come in with snow caked all over legs and belly. You can kind of see the snow on her chin in the pic below.

7. She made this funny noise in the back of her throat when she wanted something or was excited. I wish I could communicate it via this blog but I will just be happy knowing my sister Jenilee is making that noise right now as she reads this!! lol

8. My 3 year old niece Makenna loved to walk Molly with me. One day Molly stopped to smell a shrub and Kenna wanted to know what was so special about it so she went up and smelled it herself. I wish I had a picture - it was hilarious.

9. She was the perfect dog for my condo-living self. She didn't shed, she could stay inside for almost 10 hours without needing to go outside, she waited to be invited onto the furniture (most of the time) and she didn't chew stuff except for her toys. I'm reminded of how good I had it with Molly when I'm around other people's dogs.

It was not always easy being a pet owner with my busy lifestyle and I was frequently guilt-ridden that I wasn't home enough or annoyed that I had to stop at home before going out again to take her for a walk but she was truly a great pet and companion. I know some would say "she was just an animal" but she loved me and I loved her. Having her in my life made me happy. I miss her, less now a year later, but I still wish I could come home and find her waiting for me.

Money, and of course, other stuff that's on my mind.

1. I spent a lot of money yesterday. I bought a sofa table, an end table, throw pillows, frames, a ceramic jug thingy with sticks coming out of it (sounds attractive, no?) plus a huge mirror and two pictures that may or may not be the right size. I also bought a cute Easter wreath for my front door and some picture frames for the table. A friend of mine is an interior designer and for my birthday (um, last MAY!) she promised me her knowledge and expertise for free. I don't have a home with style but I think I might finally be on my way. And the best part? Pretty much everything I bought, I picked out. She was there to give me a second opinion, help me with size, scale, and color but I actually did most of it. I'm feeling kind of proud of myself. I feel like I'm fairly "with it" with clothes, makeup, etc. but not with house stuff. My friend says I just don't trust my eye and I should. So maybe I'll be more confident from here on out. I don't know. But what I do know? I love the smell of the wood in my living room. It's just yummy! I'll take pictures once I get the wall stuff up. I still need lamps because my current lamps are silver and that won't work with the new decor plus some baskets or something like that. Anyway, it's a work in progress but it's exciting for me.

2. My very nice sister & bro-in-law came over to help me put the tables together because I couldn't get it figured out. I paid him in cinnamon crunch bagels from Panera and Cadbury Creme Eggs. The creme egg is my all time favorite candy so you know I must have been REALLY grateful to give them up so readily.

3. This kid in my ward came home from his mission. Before he left he was the most apathetic and challenging, um, stinker. And now? Complete 180. Incredible to see how much he has matured and changed plus he came home with a hilarious accent that he of course did not have before he left. Wonder how long that will last?

4. I woke up before 6 AM both days of this weekend. Competely wrong.

5. I got a letter written to the elder I've been neglecting. Finally!

6. I came home yesterday to find my lovely pot of mini daffodils and other cute spring flowers dug into. One of the daffodils was missing and there was dirt everywhere. I suspect a squirrel. Big jerk.

7. I made this cake today for the missionary open house I went to tonight. It is beyond good. It takes a little longer to make just because you separate the eggs and whip the egg whites but it's not hard at all and so very yummy. And it's light because I used light sour cream!

8. Have you seen this website, Pandora.com? You put in the name of a singer or band you like and then they make you a radio station based on that. Kind of fun. Thanks for telling me about it, Adrian!

I'm tired -- bedtime for me. Hope you all had a great weekend!

One more...

92 words

http://speedtest.10-fast-fingers.com">Speed test

Stuff & a recipe

1. Daylight Savings on Sunday? UGH! I'm so not ready.

2. I still haven't written to the missionaries I need to write to and guess what? I got a letter today from the one I said I doesn't get many letters. I will write this weekend! So I called his mom and guess what else? He was just made District Leader this week. I'm so proud of him. He's a quiet guy, not the one you'd notice in a crowd but he's the boy who asks the girls to dance who would never normally get asked. (Gotta love that!) He's the nicest guy in the world, really, and I'm so excited he's doing well on his mission.

3. I'm going furniture shopping with a friend tomorrow morning. I hope I can finally find a table and/or shelf for my living room! I want grown-up furniture (aka, real and nice.)

4. I finished North & South - after a bit of a slow start, I loved it! Wives and Daughters should be here tomorrow. I started watching the A&E Pride & Prejudice that I recorded last month from PBS and you know? To me, the Keira Knightley movie is just SO much better. I know some of you would beg to differ with me but that movie is just perfection to me and the miniseries is just, not.

5. I ate out twice yesterday. CPK (2nd time this week!) for a friend's b-day lunch (sorry to rub it in, Janssen) and Red Robin for another friend's b-day dinner. A busy month for birthdays and it's only the 7th! Actually, that's the last for awhile. Phew! It's getting expensive.

But speaking of food, I love to bake and have a ton of yummy recipes for treats that are easy to make and bring to church functions, parties, whatever. I thought it'd be fun to share the recipes I've collected so maybe once a week I'll add one in here. I will try to give the original source, whenever possible.

Today's recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars. It's pretty straightforward. The only things I don't do are 1. put in the nuts and 2. measure the jam. I gave up measuring the jam and just dollop it on until I think it looks like it's enough. I'd recommend using a normal dinner spoon and keep the dollops on the small side but close together so you get raspberry in every bite. YUM!

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
2 cups (12 oz pkg) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9 inch baking pan.

Beat butter in large bowl until creamy. Beat in flour, sugar and salt until crumbly. With floured fingers, press 1 ¾ cups crumb mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan; reserve remaining mixture.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown and remove from oven.

Microwave 1 cup morsels and sweetened condensed milk in medium bowl on high power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20- second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread over hot crust.

Stir nuts into reserved crumb mixture; sprinkle over chocolate layer. Drop teaspoonfuls of raspberry jam over crumb mixture. Sprinkle with remaining morsels.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 3 dozen

Have a delightful weekend!

Five emotions

1. Happiness: the rhododendrens outside my window are starting to bloom. They are generally early bloomers but it seems extra early this year for some reason. I just love seeing color but wish I could stop wearing sweaters and coats everywhere.

2. Boredom: I just can't get into American Idol this year and not sure why. I'm trying to watch tonight's but, eh. Maybe the fact that it's on three nights a week? It's just too much. And now there's a male stripper guy and didn't one of the girls get a DUI? We shouldn't be surprised and should this be so scandalous? I'm more grossed out by the guy who talked about getting his photo taken when he had stuff hanging out of his nose (was it the same stripper guy?) Ick.

3. Satisfaction: I went to the new CPK in town for dinner tonight -- my idea of heaven. Their portions are just the right size and I never leave there feeling like I overdid it. If you've never tried it, order the BBQ chicken chopped salad -- but only the half size. The full is just too much unless you have someone to share it with. Trust me. And if you just get a half, you can order the Thai Chicken Spring Rolls for an appetizer! Peanut sauce! Yum.

4. Guilt: Two young men I love are on missions and I was a great letter writer their first year and now, I'm failing them. What is my problem? I know one guy gets a ton of letters so I'm not feeling as bad about ignoring him but the other one probably doesn't get many.

5. Excitement: my second YCL meeting is tomorrow night. We'll be writing the camp song and our skit for camp kick-off. I hope we have a good turnout!

Have a fabulous day!

Jeanelle

A Sabbath Day Quickie

1. Fasting hasn't been a chore today - sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Today is good. However, I cannot wait until my big, cold glass of water after church. And dinner at Mom's. I have the best mom.

2. Something is going on with my eyelashes. Yes, I'm vain but who said I was perfect. Okay, seriously, what is wrong with my eyelashes? I seem to have lost a ton of them on both eyes - they are very thin and sparse and I don't remember them falling out. Is this normal? It makes me look tired most of the time. I hope they're growing back in. Soon.

3. I watched the original "Parent Trap" last night. That movie brings back such great memories. It was our Laurel class movie growing up -- we watched it at every slumber party. Well, that and "16 Candles." Oh how times have changed. I would never in a million years show that movie to the girls at church during a church activity!

4. One more thing -- freegans on Oprah? Did you see it? Shouldn't all that food just be given to homeless people instead of thrown away for people with the means to buy their own food digging through it because they have some sort of itch to rummage through garbage at midnight? I do not get it.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!