Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Out With the Old, In With the New

Top hat and champagne glass held aloft for New Year's
I was chatting with Jennie and Loggins the other day (separately) and we've all had quite the year. In fact, I'm pretty sure I can safely describe 2009 as particularly underwhelming for each of us.
We are girls (women) with expectations, and I guess sometimes having expectations can lead to disappointment. But sometimes expectations are fulfilled - even surpassed! - which is what keeps us moving along. So, while the three of us look back at 2009 and give it a resounding "Eh." we look ahead to 2010 with a sigh of hope - and yes - expectation.
This is what I know: we can't have gotten to 2010 without 2009, and I think that when things unravel (in a good way!) in 2010, we'll see that's ever true ... 2009 was a year of slow, plodding progress for each of us. Jobs, relationships, purpose... that will all come to fruition in the year ahead. I really believe it. Watch out, 2010. We're girls (women) with expectations.

Boundaries SIMULCAST

I am really excited about the upcoming "Boundaries" Simulcast featuring the authors Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. Charles Townsend. It's going to be good. REAL GOOD.


Cost: $10 per person

If you're not local, check out a simulcast near you:
http://www.ccnonline.net/boundaries/hostsites.htm

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

and LAST but not LEAST, 12 Days of Christmas: Day 12

12 Days of Christmas: Day 12

Italian Cheesecake
courtesy of Giada from Food Network

Ingredients
Crust:

* 1 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
* 2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

* 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
* 2 (8-ounce) containers mascarpone cheese, room temperature
* 1 1/4 cups sugar
* 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 4 large eggs, room temperature

Topping:

* 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (recommended: Nutella)
* 1/4 cup whipping cream

Directions

For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Tightly wrap the outside of a 9-inch diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil. Finely grind the almonds, cracker crumbs, and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and process until moist crumbs form. Press the almond mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan (not on the sides of the pan). Bake the crust until it is set and beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Cool. Decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

For the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar in a large bowl until smooth, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake until the center of the cheesecake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 5 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold). Transfer the cake to a rack; cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.

For the topping: Combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave until warm, stirring every 20 seconds to blend, about 1 minute.

Cut the cake into wedges. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the wedges and serve.

I didn't use the sauce and it still tasted amazing. It was a great Christmas Day treat after we stuffed our faces!!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Christy "Bakes"

So Jennie did her amazing 12 Days of Christmas, and I wanted to contribute something to the bunch. Because I can cook, too! Sometimes.
Anyway, we had an awesome blackout one night when freezing rain poured over our lives. Jennie and I were at my sister's house, and we pulled out the candles, sang songs (half true), told stories (100% true), and "roasted" "marshmallows" to make "s'mores" (you'll see).
Mini Marshmallows......



+ Chocolate Flavored Teddy Grahams.....



= S'mores. Kind of.
Voila! Bon Appetit!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

12 days of Christmas: Day 11


12 days of Christmas: Day 11

This recipe is compliments of the Mom Taught Us Blog. Super cute! Check them out at: momtaughus.blogspot.com

Reindeer Cookies

Ingredients:
1 package Nutter Butter cookies
Melting Chocolate
Pretzel Twists
Mini Chocolate Chips
Red Hots

Instructions: Melt chocolate in double boiler. Dip Nutter butter in chocolate. Place on tray and use the pretzel for the antlers, mini chocolate chips for the eyes and red hots for the nose.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

New Years Resolutions...BEFORE CHRISTMAS

I am getting so excited about the NEW YEAR and the goals I have, I can barely contain myself.
One of my goals this year (a goal I try to accomplish every year) is:

1. Doing something out of my comfort zone.


I think it is very important to put yourself out there and do something that you don't feel comfortable doing. You never know who you might meet or what could happen.

2. Schedule a "ME" day.


This past year I was busy doing everything for everyone. I never had a night home to just relax and be with me. That is a huge goal for me!

3. Cross 2 things off of my "Life List".

A couple of years ago I wrote down a list of things I wanted to do/accomplish in my life. I have crossed several of them off, so I want to keep the ball rolling.
(some examples (that I have crossed off) include: Running a marathon, getting a tattoo, own a house etc.)

4. Be a more avid reader.

I do read a lot, but I would like to increase the number of books I read in a year. I would also like to read things I normally would not choose.

5. Explore new hobbies.

I have several hobbies (baking--not sure if you could tell from the 12 days of Christmas blogs, crafts, photography etc.)

I am so excited about my 2010 goals. I tried to set goals that were not outrageous but attainable. I think I can definitely reach these goals!

12 Days of Christmas: Day 10

12 Days of Christmas: Day 10

Since I am an "Ohioan" I decided to add Buckeyes into the mix. YUM!

Buckeyes

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup peanut butter
2/3 cup butter
12 oz. bag of chocolate chips
1 lb. powdered sugar

Instructions:
Combine Peanut butter, butter and powdered sugar. Knead for 10 min. Roll into balls and refrigerate.

Melt chocolate in double boiler. Use a toothpick to help cover the balls with melted chocolate, leave a little bit uncovered at the top (thus making it look like a BUCKEYE!). Refrigerate overnight to harden.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A Banana Copenhagen Christmas!

Here at Banana Copenhagen, we wish you a Christmas filled with love, laughter and togetherness. And rhythm. And percussion!
(Yes, those are our lovely faces you see in that picture.)
Love,
Christy & Jennie
Banana Copenhagen

12 Days of Christmas: Day 9


12 Days of Christmas: Day 9

I needed a little break from my difficult Caramel Cake. So this was a nice easy treat to prepare.

Ritz Peppermint Patties

Ingredients:
Ritz Crackers
Melting Chocolate
1 tsp Mint Extract
Crushed peppermint stick

Instructions: Melt Chocolate in double boiler. When completed melted, add mint extract. Dip Ritz Cracker and cover completely. Place on wax paper and sprinkle top with crushed peppermint sticks. Refrigerate or leave overnight to harden.

Monday, December 21, 2009

12 Days of Christmas: Day 8

12 Days of Christmas: Day 8

Maya Angelou's Caramel Cake
I made this as a gift for someone at a secret santa exchange.
This was a difficult cake, but it was delicious!


Ingredients for Batter:

Nonstick cooking spray with flour

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups Sugar

1/4 cup Caramel syrup, plus more for serving

2 cups Sifted all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons Baking powder

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 cup Milk

2 Large eggs

Ingredients for Caramel Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup boiling water

Instructions: Melt sugar in heavy skillet pan until boiling. Add 1 cup boiling water and mix until syrupy.

Ingredients for Caramel frosting:
Makes enough for one 8-inch cake
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 package (16 ounces) confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat until nut-brown in color, about 8 minutes. Remove pan from heat and pour butter into a bowl, leaving any burned sediment behind; let cool.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, salt, and butter. With the mixer on low, slowly add cream; beat until smooth. If frosting seems too thick, stir another tablespoon cream into the mixture.


Preparation for cake:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray, line each with a parchment paper round, and spray again. Set pan aside.

2. Beat butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue to beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in syrup.

3. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix flour mixture into butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning an ending with flour mixture.

4. Beat egg until foamy in another bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until thicken, about 5 minutes. Stir until cake batter until well combine.

5. Divide cake batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake until cakes spring back when gently touch in the center, about 25 minutes. If cakes do not spring back, return to oven and continue cooking about ten minutes more.

6. Cool cake in pans for 10 minutes. Invert cakes onto a wire racks and remove parchment paper round. Let cakes cool to room temperature before frosting.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

12 days of Christmas: Day 7


12 days of Christmas: Day 7

This recipe is courtesy of Risa from the Baked Perfection blog. I stumbled upon her blog and have tried several of her recipes. I have not found a bad one yet! Thanks Risa! Check her out at: bakedperfection.blogspot.com

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
1 pkg (11 oz.) butterscotch chips

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt in a medium size bowl.
In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, molasses and brown sugar until creamy. Gradually beat flour mixture in until well blended. Stir in butterscotch chips. Drop a rounded spoonful on baking tray and bake for 9-11 minutes.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

12 days of Christmas: Day 6

12 days of Christmas: Day 6

No Bake Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Pinch of Salt
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 cups quick oats

Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, heat sugar, cocoa, milk and butter. bring the mixture to a boil. Stirring, boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla,salt, peanut butter and oats. After mixing, drop batter by rounded spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow cookies to cool for 1 hour. Store in airtight container.

These are a very easy delicious treat for the holidays. You could even add in peppermint extract for alittle bit of a different taste.

Friday, December 18, 2009

12 Days of Christmas: Day 5


12 Days of Christmas: Day 5

Peppermint Rice Krispies

Ingredients:
3 tbsp butter
4 cups of marshmallows
6 cups of Rice Krispies
2 Candy Canes

Instructions: Melt butter on stove. Add marshmallows until all lumps disappear. Crush candy canes and mix them into the Rice Krispies. Mix the Rice Krispies into the melted marshmallows. Stir until all rice Krispies are covered. Pat into a 13X9 pan. Let cool.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

12 Days of Christmas: Day 4


12 Days of Christmas: Day 4

Turtles

Ingredients:
Pretzels
Rolos
Pecans Halves

Instructions:
Lay Pretzels out on foiled baking sheet. Place Rolos on top of pretzels. Bake at 350F for 5 minutes (depending on oven).
Immediately press pecan halves into chocolate. Let cool completely.

This is a great simple candy recipe, great for little Christmas gifts!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Real Conversation with Jennie and Christy

Men playing music on percussion instruments
Me: If you had a band, do you know what you would call it?
Jennie (nods)
Me (thinking): Wow! She's really thought about this!
Me: If you had a band, what would you call it?
Jennie: Banana Copenhagen.
Me: Crap! How did I forget that?!

So, the band is still together, pursuing progressive percussionism. But we haven't had time to practice lately, so STAY TUNED. We're going to have something special for our fans (mom), hopefully in time for Christmas.

12 Days of Christmas: Day 3

12 Days of Christmas: Day 3

Nama's Shortcake with Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 stick butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tbsp. vanilla

Cream sugar and butter. Add vanilla and eggs; mix well. Add buttermilk and mix well. Add flour. Batter will be stiff. Spread into greased and floured 9X13 inch pan. Bake 350F for 30 minutes.

Whip Cream:
Heavy Whipping Cream
Pumpkin Spice
Sugar

Beat Heavy Whipping Cream until small peaks form. Add sugar and pumpkin spice flavoring slowly to sweeten the whipped cream.

Spread Whip Cream on cooled Shortcake.



I am a little slack on the photos for the first few, but I will get all my ducks in a row!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

12 Days of Christmas: Day 2

Day 2: Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

I came up with this recipe on my own. So after executing it, I feel a few tweeks need to be made.
I made individual cheesecake cups in muffin pans, but I feel like this would be better in "bar form"--It can be scooped out easier.

CRUST:
1 1/4 cup graham Crackers
1 stick melted butter
2 tbsp. sugar

Instructions: Mix and pat into a 9X13 pan. Bake at 350F for 10-20 minutes (until brown)

Filling:
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup eggnog
1 bar of Cream Cheese (softened)
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions: Beat together until smooth. Pour into cooled crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with a Whip Cream on top.

This is a very simple recipe and it tastes delicious!

Monday, December 14, 2009

12 days of Christmas: Day 1


So the 12 days of Christmas "Bake-Fest" begins. I plan to bake something every night for the 12 days prior to Christmas.

Day 1: PoppySeed Torte

This is my Grandma's recipe, and when I asked my dad what he wanted me to bake for the Holidays he said, "POPPYSEED TORTE!"
So for his birthday I baked him Poppyseed Torte. I have never made this before so I wasn't sure how it would turn out.

CRUST:
1 cup Graham Crackers
1 cup flour
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions: Mix well and pat into a 9X13 pan. Bake at 325 F for 20 minutes (until brown)

FILLING:
1 1/2 cup milk (use 1/2 cup to mix with cornstarch)
5 eggs (separated)
1/4 cup poppyseeds
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Instructions: Combine milk,beaten egg yolks and sugar. Cook in double oiler until dissolved. Add poppyseeds and salt.
Mix Cornstarch with 1/2 cup milk and combine with the rest. Cook until thick, stirring constantly.

ADDITIONAL FOLD IN:
2 Tbsp knox gelatin (unflavored)
1/4 cup cold water
5 egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar

Instructions: Melt gelatin into 1/4 cup cold water. Add to cooked mixture; cool filling and add vanilla--DO NOT LET SET.
Beat egg whites--add sugar and cream of tartar
Fold into cooled mixture. Pour into crust and refrigerate.
Frost with 8 oz. Cool whip

I after cutting the torte--we realized the poppyseeds had floated to the top. I had never eaten Poppyseed Torte before--but I was consoled by my Father and Grandmother that it tasted the same. We tried to figure out what could have made them float. It still tasted delicious!



Dad enjoying his Poppyseed Torte!

Monday, December 7, 2009

It's the Season. No, wait! Tis! Tis the Season!

Fraser, Colorado, USA
Every year around this time, I make crazy decisions. Not bad crazy, but life altering crazy. I think it has to do with New Year's Resolutions, and the passage of time and taking stock of life.
it was about six years ago that I began the process of taking my sojourn into Oz and quitting my job. It took a lot of paperwork and elbow grease, but a short 9 months later I was packing my car, filling a backpack and getting ready to climb aboard a QANTAS plane heading down under.
Five years ago, I was in wonderful Oz, so I didn't have to worry too much about making changes in my life.
Four years ago, I was planning a trip to Paris and looking for a condo.
Three years ago... nothing. Two years ago... nothing. Last year ... nothing. Which is probably why I'm feeling so unsettled right now. I like planning. I love making lists. Goals are my friends. And I've been stagnant far too long. As you can see from my timeline above, my crazy decisions often take form in fun vacations. I would love a chance to see Spain, Greece, the British Isles. Heck - I would be thrilled with Seattle/Vancouver, the Grand Canyon or San Francisco.
So, (sigh). Maybe in a few weeks, I'll have a concrete, crazy plan to share. Until then, I'll just keep searching.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Things I love about fall...

Fall is my favorite season. I am so giddy when fall arrives.
Here are some of my favorite things about fall.
1. The leaves changing. It is so beautiful outside and creates beautiful landscapes. It just reminds me everyday of God's Amazing creation.
2. Scarves and Mittens. I own a billion scarves--they are my FAVORITE accessory in the fall. I also love mittens. They can be hard to function in, but they remind me of my childhood.
3. BAKING. I love to bake. I would bake everyday, all day long. Now that I have my own kitchen, I can experiment and share baked goodies!
4. Family. Fall is the beginning of the Holiday season. Thanksgiving. Christmas. I love spending time with my family around the holidays.
5. MUSIC and Decorations. Since everybody jumps the gun, Christmas music and holiday decorations go up earlier and earlier every year. It does aid in my excitement!

I have a little Christmas surprise for the blog. It will be a little bit of a challenge, but I am up for it!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Judging Books by their Covers

Stack of books in forest
I know there is a more universal application of the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover," but I've always taken the phrase very literally. When I'm in bookstores I have to remind myself not to judge the books by the covers in front of me. Sometimes, the cover is plain or boring or looks too schmoopy (romantic, wistful, blech, etc.) for me. But today at the used book store, I had the opposite problem.
The book was Memoirs of a Beatnik, and the cover was the most amazing, colorful piece of art I'd seen on a nonfiction book. Even the texture was pleasing. I cannot find an image with the cover I'd found or I would link to it, but trust me - it was beautiful.
I almost bought it just for the cover. And it's not that I think I would hate the book - I think I'd like it. But not enough to own it. So I had to keep reminding myself, "Do not judge this book based solely on the cover."
I was in the biography section when I came across the book, and I was so struck by the various biographies that are published. For example, Fantasia (the girl, not the movie), wants me to know that Life is NOT a Fairy Tale. (Thanks, Fantasia). A lot of people want to tell me about their triumphs (and I would read them! I really would! But I can't take all the crying that comes along with the reading, Michael J. Fox. I just can't). Kelsey Grammer wants me to know that he has even written a biography (why?).
So, no books for me today. But that's fine. Because there are plenty of times that the book has the perfect marriage of beautiful cover and amazing story inside, and I have a full bookcase to prove it. (Hey! Send me book recommendations if you want. I totally dig them.)

Friday, November 13, 2009

TWLOHA

Today is TWLOHA day!
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery (TWLOHA.com).
I have been seeing t-shirts for a long time. I never really knew what they represented until I attended one of the TWLOHA events at the Handlebar. Hearing Renee Yohe's story was shocking, heartbreaking and inspiring. This organization was started because of her.
Check out more about this organization on TWLOHA.com.
So in support of this mission, I wrote LOVE...on my arm.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Cleaning HOUSE...

So I have decided to make a few changes in my life. I have decided not to waste anymore mental energy on friends that aren't good for me. I spend so much time worrying or caring what is going on in their lives. When what is really best for me, is to cut them out of my life completely. So that is what I have decided to do, and it FEELS SO GOOD!
Cleaning HOUSE....in my life.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Bumpits FAIL

Like I said the other day, Jennie and I tried out an As Seen on TV product, and it was a big bust. We tried out Bump Its, which I had understood was a hair product that would give more body to flat, limp hair. Well, nobody has thinner, straighter, more lifeless hair than me, so we tried it out on my hair. What follows is photo documentation of the fail. 
At first, we took a large section of my hair and put the bumpit behind it, but the bumpit was about halfway down the back of my head, so we realized we needed to use less hair (I believe my quote was, "Only my bangs? Only my bangs will cover it?"), and move the bumpit up more toward the top of my head. 


As you can see, my thin, flat, lifeless hair does NOT cover the bumpit. Here's a closer look:

So we realized that bumpits are, in fact, NOT designed for people who have thin hair. Luckily, Jennie has much thicker hair than I do, so we tried it on her....


Well, hey! That doesn't look so bad (except, of course, that it looks ridiculous). Oh, you want a closer look so see how Jennie's hair hides the Bumpit? Okay....
..... BUMPITS FAIL.

Friday, November 6, 2009

The Trials and Errors of Product ...er... Trials

So Jennie and I got our hands on a famous "As Seen On TV" product, and we tried it out. I'll post pictures of it later (because I forgot my camera cord today!), but it's hilarious. Needless to say, neither of us will be purchasing this product.
In other news, I'm writing for an online magazine, covering local Christian music news. Crazy! Check out some of my articles (I already have posted two of them):
On Corey Crowder's CD Release Concert
and

Finding Live, Local Music for Less
And I promise, pictures of the As Seen on TV disaster are to come ... SOON!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

As promised....

Drum Roll Please........
As Promised I am posting a pic of my halloween costume.


GEISHA!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

True Story Saturday

Word etched in stone
True story: once, two guys fought over me.

Sounds better than it really was. When I was living in Australia, I went out with my housemates and we met these 2 Australian men who took a liking to me and my roommate, Andrea. Andrea actually ended up going out with the one guy a couple of times, but anyway, this Australian guy was very sweet, but even with the bonus of the accent, he just wasn't my type. Well, they followed our group to another bar, where I ended up chatting with yet another Australian guy. The second guy asked me if the other guy (we'll call him Oz) was my boyfriend. I said No. Well, Oz overheard and saw that I was chatting with some young, good looking guy and decided to put a stop to it (story of my life). We'll call the second guy ... Koala.
So Oz confronts Koala, and Koala gets defensive. Koala asks for my phone number (which is a whole other story because the Aussie phone numbers have like 14 digits in them and I never figured out where the pauses go, you know? So I would just rattle off a string of 14 numbers and everyone was just confused).
I start to give my number to Koala, but Oz decides to PULL RANK, of all things, because he was in the Australian military. Turns out that Koala was in the Australian military, too. Well they start battling out how their rank transfers because they're in different branches and it soon becomes ridiculously obvious that I have nothing to do with the situation anymore.
I slowly start backing away because I really don't think they'd ever have noticed I was gone, when Koala actually starts throwing a tantrum, grabs his backpack (military issued?) and leaves. So: yeah, technically 2 guys once fought over me. But in reality: 2 guys once fought near me. Haha.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Good Reads

Teen Reading in a Library
Sometimes blogs are silly and bring smiles to our lovely faces.
Some blogs hit a nerve and yet, we love them, and pretend it's not about us (ME? no!).
Some blogs bring us into someone's world, and let us rejoice in triumphs and share in struggles.
There are those blogs that teach us (or, if you're like me, they let me pretend I can do this, too)
And finally, there are inspiring, touching blogs - ones I find myself going back to over and over.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Halloweenie

Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday. I love dressing up and being someone different for a day (or night!) That could be the dramatic side of me flaring up. I love the decorations and the CANDY (YUM!).
I always tend to procrastinate, which is very much in my nature, and scramble for a costume the week of Halloween.
Halloween 2009 is no different. I have procrastinated, leaving myself only a few days to throw something together. What to be? A television character, a Disney character, a classic everyone-always-chooses-that costume...
I have a few ideas in my head but they never quite turn out as good as I plan--maybe it is because I don't have enough time.
I believe I have decided on a costume for this year. But....it is a SURPRISE!
Pictures to come.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Oh, and some Shoe Shopping!


This is what shoe shopping with Jennie looks like. No, we didn't buy them. We could barely get them on. Can you tell? They're like 9 inches tall. I'm lucky I didn't break my ankle just standing in them. 
I have on the black heels. Jennie (Glamgirl) has on the sparkly silver heels.

ooooooohhhh, BURN!!

Fig tree silhouetted at African dawn, Kenya, Africa
So, I stumbled upon one of my favorite moments in the Bible the other night. There are certain stories that are absolutely amazing to me, and I have many, many heroes (David and Esther are my FAVORITE people), but this is probably my favorite "moment" in the Bible. It's when Jesus is beginning his ministry and is rounding up his disciples, calling them to follow him. Then he meets Nathaneal.
John 1:45-50 tells the interaction (from the NIV):

Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
 46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.
 47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."
 48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. 
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."
 49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
 50Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 

Okay. Doesn't really look like a big deal, but here's the translation in our everyday language (thanks to The Message Bible):

Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, "We've found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It's Jesus, Joseph's son, the one from Nazareth!" Nathanael said, "Nazareth? You've got to be kidding."
But Philip said, "Come, see for yourself."
 47When Jesus saw him coming he said, "There's a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body."
 48Nathanael said, "Where did you get that idea? You don't know me."
Jesus answered, "One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree."
 49Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!"
 50-51Jesus said, "You've become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven't seen anything yet!

Hahahahaha! That cracks me up! "You've got to be kidding." One translation reads: "What good can come from Nazareth?" Good question, Nathaneal. Read the rest of Jesus' story, and see exactly what good comes from Nazareth.
The other thing I love is that we don't know what Nathaneal was doing under the fig tree, but whatever it was (I like to think he was praying, seeking, crying out to the Lord), when Jesus mentioned the place to him, it grabbed his attention and made him believe. This is one of my favorite moments because there are so many times in my life when I feel lost or apart from God, and I'll pray and some little (or big!) thing happens later that is like a personal message from God that just says to me: See? I was there with you. I hear you.
Anyway, Nathaneal is super cool to me because he just says whatever he's thinking, and Jesus recognizes that: "not a false bone in his body". It's just a really special moment that always makes me smile.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Falling into Winter

The cool weather is finally approaching. Here in South Carolina, unlike where I grew up in New Jersey, the winters tend to be mild. There's frost and maybe even some snow, but there won't be any blizzards and we'll measure the snowfall in inches (maybe even centimeters), not feet.
The mornings, though, are bitter, and the icy wind bites at me and my sister on our morning jogs. So, here are a few of my favorite things about cooler weather. These are things that I'm really looking forward to.
• The way that a warm bed feels like the most wonderful place in the world.
• Hot cocoa with mini marshmallows
• Slippers! Especially colorful ones. I may need to go shopping.
• Boots - especially really cute ones. I definitely need to go shopping.
• Wrapping up in a warm blanket, turning down the lights and watching a movie.
• Wrapping up in a warm blanket, keeping on the lights and reading a great book.
• Soup and Stew.
• Lighting candles. I feel like candles are a very "Christmas-time" tradition, so I rarely light candles in the summer. Only for birthdays, and those are totally a different kind of candle.
• When my nephew yells "Hey! I see my breath!"
• The awesome carolers who come by at Christmastime to my sister's neighborhood. We just discovered them for the first time last year. How we've been missing out!
• Crock-pot cooking
• Mittens, hats and homemade scarves.
• Cold weather is always a good excuse to buy more cardigans. And you can always use more cardigans.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Relying on my Earthly Father VS. Relying on my Heavenly Father

I am a proud new homeowner! As I lay in bed each night, I am astounded at how all of this happened to me. I know this is exactly what God planned for my life and I continuously pray that He will use all of this for His Kingdom. God has been showing me a lot in the past few days, revealing His love and His desire to care for me.
One thing I struggled with this weekend (as I moved into my house) was realizing how much I have to rely on my Dad for repairs/fix its/manly house chores. I felt guilty/upset that he was the one having to take care of these things. I kept thinking “It is not fair that he should have to be a “husband” in two households.” This seeds from deeper issues, but that is a whole different blog post. I was having a conversation with my sister about how my dad shouldn't have to do all of these things for me and her response was, “BUT he WANTS to. He doesn't have to but he wants to do these things for you.”
Despite my guilt and frustration, God was showing me something. The way that I rely on my earthly father is how I should be relying on my Heavenly Father. I need to shove all of my insecurities, desire to control the situation and my frustrations and bring EVERYTHING to Him. He wants to take care of me, He doesn't have to....but He WANTS to. No matter how much I don't want to rely on my father (and heavenly father), I just HAVE to sometimes and that is ok.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Sisters Make the Best Friends

Portrait of a girl laughing in class setting
I've been a younger sister for all of my life, and the thing about being a younger sister is: you think your older sister knows EVERYTHING. So now that we're finally adults and kind of on the same playing level, I'm learning that she does, in fact, have her moments of weakness.
Here's advice she's given me over the years that is absolutely, positively amazing advice and I hold myself to it:
• No horizontal stripes. Ever. Never. No way. No matter how cute it is.
• Pointy heels always look better
• It's better to be a few minutes late to an event than show up on time, looking crappy
• If I'm feeling left out of something, I need to fix it; I can't wait around to be included. I need to be outgoing.

Now here are some things that I've noticed lately about my wonderful sister that prove to me that while she's a wealth of knowledge, she doesn't know, well, everything:
• She is constantly trying to give me her dog. I like her dog, sure, but when someone's so desperate to get rid of something, it makes you wonder...
• She cannot for the life of her remember the names of TV shows. The Biggest Loser is known as America's Fattest Person. How I Met Your Mother is instead Who Wants To Be Your Mother? (to be honest, I did the same thing with the show What About Brian? - it was a stupid title - so I called it Brian's Song)
• Black pants, brown shoes. That's all I'm going to say.

So, my sister is totally awesome, and gives amazing advice. But ... she's human, too. :)

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

This is your Brain on Desperate

photo caricature of a desperate caucasian man in a polyester suit and retro shirt as he leans over and points
In a fit of desperation after realizing I will be one of the only people at a party without a date, I had crazy thoughts of bribing/begging people to pose as my boyfriend. You should probably know that of course there's a guy involved in this desperation (I can't believe I'm admitting this). Jennie was so entertained by my fake letters of beggary, that she wanted me to post them online. On the World Wide Web. For everyone to see. Why, oh why, am I doing this?

Dear I Anthem,
I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend. Since you will have to look extra hot to fool someone into dating me, I'm going to need you to walk around with your guitar and sometimes burst into song. But not a weird way, you know? In a rockstar/cool way.
Thanks,
Christy

Dear XXXXXX XXXXXX (most popular guy from my high school):
PLEASE fly to G'ville and act as my boyfriend, then fly home and let's not ever speak about it. Because I'm pretty sure you're kind of a jerk and will try to sleep with me. And.. you look great, but ....you're still kind of a jerk. Anyway, you'll do it, right?
Christy

Dear Simon Baker:
I'm in love with you and your show. But mostly you. Will you come to a party and pretend to be my boyfriend? You can (and must) use your God-given natural accent.
Your friend,
Christy

In the end, though, I've decided to just act like my fabulous self. Notice I said "act like" because actually being my fabulous self is probably out of the question. So I wrote down Jennie's advice, and here it is:
Slo-mo entrance. Brush hair over shoulder. Flash smile. Laugh, but not too hard. Smile, but no crazy eyes.
That should do it! I guess I'll update the blog with whatever transpires.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Que? Quoi? Was? Cosa? Co?

A woman misusing a translation dictionary in a Paris cafe
Here's a strange revelation: I love, love, love it when people write or say things in English, and it's painfully obvious that English is not their first language. It tickles me. And not in a "I'm laughing at this person" sort of way, but more in a "You don't even know how adorable you sound" kind of way.
For example, I sponsor two children in other parts of the world, and I frequently get letters from them, updating me on their home life, schoolwork and just general info. Here's what the letters usually sound like (the sponsor company is Compassion International, a Christian organization, if the flowery religious prose doesn't clue you in):
"Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to you, my wonderful sponsor, Christy. I pray your family and life are well doing and that God finds you happy and glory today."
I love it.
Another example: I have some friends that I met during my travels abroad. One is from Finland, and since it's been a few years since she spent time in an English-speaking country, her English is not what it was several years ago when we were roomies in Oz. An email from her sounds like this:
"I took a movie of the kangaroo about it hopping. The other movie was about the kangaroo licking. It was good movie, and happy that I am having the Christmas at this time."
I know that others feel the same way I do. I once received an email from a man that ended with "Smiles at you!" and Jennie loved the phrase so much that she uses "Smiles at you!" as her signature on her texts. If I could name this love of ESLs, I would call it the Ricky Ricardo Syndrome.
And I am infected.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Ever have one of those days?!

Today is one of those days. You know what I mean....Yesterday was packed with so much excitement that today is just blah. I closed on my house yesterday, so I am now a homeowner. I have a little complain monster in my mind rearing it's ugly head. I am cold and tired and basically just want to sleep....But then I think about my new house, how much I love it and what a blessing it is in my life. So the blah day after the EXCITING day is worth it! And I always have COFFEE THURSDAY to look forward to.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Rub-A-Dub-Dub, A Piggy in the Tub!

Here is the last piggy in the parade! This Bath Piggy is having quite a spa day. The bathtub actually has blue "water" with large and small bubbles inside. There is a robe on the hanger, just waiting for piggy to get out of the tub! There's also a magazine and special soaps for a most relaxing experience. Also - check out the nice tile - I wish I had tile that cute in my bathroom!
This piggy is Stephanie's masterpiece. Stephanie is one of the most creative people here at work (and that's saying a lot since we work with all types of creative people!). She makes amazing cakes for people's birthdays or showers, complete with themes. I'll try to snag some pictures of those next time!

Anyway, that's it for our piggy parade. Here's one last group photo:
It was so much fun to create our piggies, and it was for a great cause. Check out Hands on Greenville to find out more about the auction. If you think our piggies are good, just wait until you see what other people in our area thought of!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Green Eggs & Ham

Ok, my nephew has been looking forward to this post ever since I showed him the piggies. He kept pointing to the picture of Jennie's piggy and saying, "I see a fork! Where's that piggy?!" Here it is, Dylan. This is Adrian's wife's creation: Green Eggs & Ham, from the lovable Dr. Seuss classic. While this piggy looks delectable on plate with utensils and placemat, he's too adorable to eat. One more creative piggy to go! Check back tomorrow!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Pig-Fil-A

This Chick-fila-esque Piggy is Lauren's creation. This piggy sparkles, and has an important message on his little sandwich-boards: "Eat Mor Kow, Now that's a Reel Ham-burger"
If you're from some awful place that is not populated with Chick-fila franchises, you won't recognize the advertising campaign (cows that send humans messages to: Eat Mor Chiken). It's kind of crazy how creative these piggies are!! There are still a couple of more piggies in our parade. Keep coming back!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Rolling in the Mud

This "muddy" piggy is the creative production of Denine. Not only does this piggy have long, flowing brown locks, but she has beautiful "real" eyelashes on her guilt-ridden eyes. What's with the guilt, Piggy? Maybe it has something to do with the mud (read: chocolate) covering piggy's snout and legs. And what's that stuck to piggy's legs? CANDY WRAPPERS?!
Piggy's necklace says: Humans, they always assume we roll in mud.
Well, now we know better, thanks to Denine and her very creative and chocolaty Piggy.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Two Prissy Pigs


Today we have two piggies for the price of one! The top one is by Leigh and this "Prissy Pig" definitely has a Miss Piggy-vibe about her. The one on the bottom is by Nicky and she is named "Prissila".
Leigh's piggy is painted purple, and has lovely blonde locks with a lady-like hat set upon her ear. She also has sparkly hearts for cheeks, like all ladies should. Also, note her painted toenails.
Nicky's "Prissila" has beautiful eyelashes, and rosy cheeks. Instead of hair, a large flower adorns this piggy, and no lady is complete without her tu-tu!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

My Piggy

This is my very own Piggy. I named him "Sun Roasted Piggy." Let me tell you a little something about this whole project: I got very attached to my piggy. I started talking to him when I was painting him. Actually, I probably started talking to him the day I brought him home, because he kept trying to leap off of the seat of my car and crumble into a million pieces on the floor.
Sun Roasted Piggy is wearing sunglasses and a large amount of sunscreen to protect him from those harmful UV rays. He has collected an assortment of shells on his little blue beach blanket.
Sun Roasted Piggy is leaving today to go to the piggy auction. Bye-bye, Piggy!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Piggy Peacock

Our next piggy is probably the biggest fashionista of the group. This piggy is courtesy of Tarsha, and if you've ever met Tarsha, this piggy is TOTALLY just like her! It's funny because it seems like a lot of the piggies have the same style as their creators. Go figure.
Piggy Peacock is covered is 24 carat gold (that is possibly an exaggeration), and is sporting diamond-encrusted eyes (again, only possibly exaggerated) and a sly smile. Why so sly, Piggy? Do you know something we don't? Or is it just that you know you are fabulous with your feathered tail and diamond eyes?
I don't have Piggy Peacock's official name. If you are a creative person (and all Banana Copenhagen readers are), go ahead and give it a shot in the comments section.
Side note: what the heck is a peacock? Is it a bird? or some distant relative to the rooster? (because let me tell you, the rooster got the short end of the stick in that gene pool...) Checking wikipedia...

Friday, September 18, 2009

Saving for a Rainy Day

It's a rainy day here in Banana Copenhagen, and what better way to avoid the showers than with a cute umbrella piggy? The latest in our piggy parade is by our very own JENNIE! Jennie titled her piggy "Saving for a Rainy Day". Things to notice, Jennie created "rain drops" on the umbrella and on the piggy's snout where the umbrella can't quite cover. Also, her little piggy is standing in puddles of water. Poor piggy! Piggy is holding the umbrella up with his tail. Hope you get out of the rain soon, piggy! Otherwise, you'll turn into a pruned piggy.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

I-Hog

This is our first in our Parade of Piggies. This masterpiece was created by our resident Mac-lover, Adrian (also known on this blog as bAnDrian).
We created these piggy banks as part of a charity auction for Hands on Greenville (or ... HOG. Get it?! GET IT?!) to raise money to benefit the non-profit organizations in our area. The piggies will be paired with donated items such as overnight stays, spa visits and other items to form "packages" of goodies that people can bid on.
We were asked to name our piggies, and this one is called iHog.
You can find out more about the auction from www.handsongreenville.org.
And, every day, I'll post another piggy. They are super awesome, so check back!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Get ready... Get Set... It's Coming...

Partially unrolled red carpet
Piggies, piggies everywhere.
Piggies here and piggies there.
Piggies on the beach, and piggies in the bath.
Piggies in the rain, piggies doing math. (um, not really that last one).

Piggies will be appearing soon. Prepare yourself.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Waiting waiting waiting waiting

Anxious Businessman in Waiting Room
True story: Waiting sucks. It sucks so much that I can't even be more eloquent than that. I know I have some good friends that are playing the "waiting" game right now with jobs and life events and such, and we can all agree: It sucks.
I thought about writing something deep about, like, the little blessings that pass us by while we're waiting ... or how there's a light at the end of the tunnel and when we reach it, we'll see how fulfilling the waiting period was for us. But no.
Waiting sucks.
The end.