Adopt A Family

Every year at work for Christmas we adopt a family (shout out to Crick for organizing this!) It's extremely rewarding, and nice to know you are helping out people who otherwise wouldn't have the Christmas that most all of us here will experience. It's always fun, and easier, to get families with little kids, any toy will make them happy. However, this year we were given a family with 2 teenage boys, which makes things more difficult, and also makes you think more about their possible scenarios.

When you adopt a family, it's best to assume that they have nothing, and need everything. From toilet paper to jackets, and everything in between, they will be helped by any contribution. But in this day in age, and in America, how likely is it that people live the bare minimum? The chance of these families having a bigger tv then me, but no heat, is high. The lifestyle that is expected of Americans in general is ridiculous. It's hard to "Keep up with the Jones" when you struggle to put food on the table, but many make that the priority instead of paying the important bills.

But what if that isn't the case? What if this truly is a family who wears the same clothes every day, and sleeps on the floor with no pillows. It's hard to know what to get teenage boys who typically are into sports, entertainment, music, video games, and girls. DVDs could be an easy gift to give, but is it insulting to give that if they don't have a television and/or DVD player? And consider the fact that a teenage boy in Baltimore City is most likely a grown man, or better, living life in adult situations, what then?

No matter what, the family is in a situation that requires them to seek out help, and I'm glad that we as an office do so. I know I personally appreciate anything that helps me save a buck or two, whether it be soap in my stocking or a bag of my favorite cookies.  And whether the family is grateful for what they receive, or turn around and sell their gifts for cash, it's nice to know that we helped out in some shape or form.  So maybe it's best to envision them as a good/nice family who is simply struggling to make ends meet instead of other scenerios, because really, isn't that what everyone really is deep down?

Pumpkin Project: Eddy's Pumpkin Ice Cream

So I've been a bit of a slacker on the pumpkin project this week. Not that I have not had anything pumpkin, but both were repeats (Corner Bakery's Pumpkin Whoopie Pie and a Pumpkin Pie bagel from Panera). Lucky for me, Jenn at Cupcake Crusaders was happy to send along her review of Eddy's Pumpkin Ice Cream.

Eddy's Pumpkin Ice Cream

Hi! I’m Jenn, from the Cupcake Crusaders. When I heard that Between a Breath and a Blink was blogging about seasonal pumpkin items, I wanted in. I’m OBSESSED with fall flavors, but surprisingly I’m not a big pumpkin pie fan. That doesn’t mean I don’t love pumpkin flavored things, though. Coffee, cupcakes, cookies, beer, soup…I want it all. While scanning the ice cream selection for my weekly quart, I spotted Edy’s Limited Edition Pumpkin Ice Cream. At first I thought, “I don’t know about that…” but then figured that if I drink pumpkin spiced lattes, how could ice cream be anything but good? Curiosity got the best of me, and I added it to my basket.

I tried the ice cream 4 different ways: plain, with Limited Edition Candy Corn Oreos, topped with chocolate chips and walnuts, and drizzled with caramel. The ice cream by itself has an interesting contrast between the warmth of the spice and the coolness from the temperature. I preferred it with some extra sweetness, so my favorites complements were the Candy Corn Oreos and drizzled in caramel.

All-in-all this ice cream might not be for everyone. My husband, who does like pumpkin pie and loves ice cream, didn’t enjoy it as much as he enjoys other ice cream flavors. But, since it’s limited and seasonal, I think it’s worth letting your taste buds give it a try.

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Pumpkin Project: Boheme Cafe's Pumpkin Muffin

I am a HUGE fan of cornbread, so when I discovered how yummy Boheme Cafe's was, I became hooked. I try not to go too often, but enough that they know exactly what I want when I peek my head through the door. This morning I took the cashier by surprise by simply asking if they had anything pumpkin, which happened to be a muffin. I must say, if they hadn't had anything I had plans to go pick up a whoopee pumpkin pie from The Corner Bakery again, just can't resist those!

Pumpkin Muffin from Boheme Cafe

This muffin was actually pretty good, though I'm not certain it was pumpkin-y enough to be considered pumpkin. The flavor wasn't really spice or pumpkin,  but I still enjoyed it. It wasn't cooked all the way through which is okay by me, I like my cookies/cake/brownies on the undercooked side. There was just  alight dusting of powdered sugar on the top which was satisfactory. 

There was something about it that I couldn't quite put my finger, but then it came to me. I'd found a recipe on Pinterest for pumpkin muffins, using only pumpkin puree and cake mix, and bought ingredients to make them the other day. I imagine this is what they will taste like, but won't be able to say for certain until later in the week.

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Ranking:

Bucket List, First published Dec 2011

So a few months ago I started constructing a bucket list for the hell of it. I might have been bored, or feeling silly, but it is what it is. Anywho, here is the start of my list. Some of the things are ridiculous (as are to be expected) and some are genuine. Obviously this will be an ongoing post, updating as I think of new things and crossing things out as they are accomplished (ha!)

• Eat Spaghetti with Giant's pitcher Brian Wilson**
• Meet Hugh Hefner and/or visit the Playboy Mansion
• Attend a Red Carpet Event- Emmys, Tonys, Oscars, Victoria Secret Show
• Serve on the jury of a high profile case
• Walk on hot coals
• Learn "it's the end of the world as we know it" by REM by heart
• Visit Hawaii
• Stay overnight in an extremely haunted building
• Fall in love and be loved in return equally
• Running of the Bulls (not sure I would actually run, more just observe!)
• Sex with a gigolo
• Go to a Madonna concert
• Ride in a hot air balloon

**Update: I went to San Francisco July 2012 and tried my damnedest to meet up Brian Wilson (meaning I constantly harassed him via Twitter, ha). Unfortunately I did not get the opportunity to meet him, let alone eat spaghetti with him, but that is still the plan eventually.

Pumpkin Project: Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cake

Today we've got a guest review for the Pumpkin Project. The ladies at Cupcake Crusaders were kind enough to allow me a spot on their blog, so I wanted to return the favor! Plus they have been passing along suggestions of pumpkin items to try, without them I may never had tried the glorious whoopee pumpkin pie from The Corner Bakery. 

Today Stacy is reviewing a mini bunt cake from Au Bon Pain, and Jenn is on deck to review Edy's Pumpkin Ice Cream. Be sure to check out their fantastic cupcake blog as well!

Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cake from Au Bon Pain

Hi everyone! I'm Stacy from the Cupcake Crusaders. I'm very happy that Between and Breath and a Blink has let me join in her quest to taste all things pumpkin this fall. I recently found myself in an Au Bon Pain (which doesn't happen often… if ever) to get my coffee fix, when I noticed a sign advertising pumpkin cake. I immediately thought of Between a Breath and a Blink's pumpkin quest and knew I had to try it. After scouring all the baked goods and finding nothing, I decided to ask for some help. Lucky for me, they had some in the back that were frozen, but assured me that it would thaw quickly. I often do this with cupcakes so know that freezing is the best way to keep cake moist (when it's not baked fresh daily). After letting it thaw back at the office, it was time to dive in. I was really surprised that the cake was actually moist and light. The flavor seemed to lean a little more towards the "spice" side than "pumpkin," but since I don't discriminate when it comes to fall flavors, it was fine with me. Of course, being a Cupcake Crusader, I was missing the frosting on top, but still, this was a very tasty afternoon treat (unlike the vanilla cupcake I also purchased… but that's another story...)

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Pumpkin Project: Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Creme Blend

For the record, I didn't even mean to get anything pumpkin today. I went to B&N in the Inner Harbor with the sole intention of getting a stuffed pretzel before my soccer game. However I'd been hearing all the amazing things about Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and felt like it'd be wrong to not give it a try, for the sake of this blog of course. I don't often drink coffee/lattes though, and especially try to avoid caffeine this late in the day, so went with the Pumpkin Blended Creme instead, which is basically a frappachino without the coffee aspect. 

Pumpkin Spice Creme Blend from Starbucks

This surely is the epitome of liquid cocaine, holy smokes. Though really that can be said for any of the Starbucks creme blends (big fan of hazelnut myself). It is the absolute, perfect version of pumpkin pie in liquid form, you can't get any better. Seriously, out of this world. The only way to make it better? Add alcohol. I'd suggest Kahlua or Baileys, something along the lines of a pumpkin mud slide. Pumpkin Mudslide, hm...

Afterword: This is a bit on the sweet side (I suppose having coffee in it would have helped in that aspect) so I'm putting 1/3 of it in the freezer for tomorrow.

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Ranking:

Pumpkin Project: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

So I have to say upfront, I forgot to take a photo of this. And then once I remembered there were only 2 bites left and I didn't want to stop eating it. THAT GOOD. But I most certainly will be getting more (maybe even today on my way home from work), so will add photos later.

Also I know my blogger friends at Cupcake Crusaders are also reviewing this (they tipped me off) so once their review is posted I'll link to it.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie from The Corner Bakery

This was beyond amazing. I want 3 more right this very second. I usually try to savor the pumpkin treat as I blog so I can make sure I get it just right, but I couldn't help devouring this immediately. The cake was the perfect spice/pumpkin combo of just the right density/moistness. and the frosting middle- OMG. It was the typical whoopee pie frosting (can't really describe it correctly) but this was a cinnamon version. I want a bowlful of it this instance. 

I feel like I'm not giving a good review (and I'm not), but that just means I am required to do better next time. And if that doesn't suffice then multiple times while it's available. All I can say is go buy this now people! 

Photos: 

U/A at this time. 

Ranking:

Pumpkin Project: IcedGems Cupcake

I hate to admit it but I've never had a cupcake from IcedGems Cupcake Truck before *GASP* Pretty amazing considering how much I love cupcakes, and the fact I always stand 5 feet from the truck at WTMD's First Thursdays. But when I saw this morning that they had Pumpkin cupcakes and would be 5 blocks from my office, I knew I had to indulge.

IcedGems Pumpkin Cupcake with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

First off, the moment I pulled the cupcake from the bag it smelled like pumpkin pie, LOVE. The cake was dense but still moist, with a noticeable pumpkin taste that wasn't too overwhelming. I liked that it was more pumpkin then spice, especially since I think some people/places tend to be heavy handed on the nutmeg. It kind of reminded me of the Panera pumpkin muffin, but better.

I had the option of cream cheese or cinnamon buttercream frosting with the cupcake. The cupcake dude (who was kinda cute btw) suggested the buttercream as the best option. I'm more of a cream cheese frosting girl but couldn't resist the cinnamon, so that's what I went with. If I was thinking at the time (and had more then $4 in cash) I would have bought both cream cheese and buttercream frosted cupcakes, but that just means I'll have to go back again soon!

The cinnamon buttercream frosting was really good, but not amazing. It had just the right amount of cinnamon, but when eaten alone I could easily pick out the powdered sugar taste. However, paired with the cake it made the perfect combo! It was really hard for me to take my time eating the 2nd half of this to give it my best review, instead of wolfing it down like I wanted.

Ideally I would have liked a cinnamon cream cheese frosting on this, which is reflected in my rating for this cupcake. Overall I would recommend the IcedGems pumpkin cupcake, and I look forward to trying their other flavors!

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Ranking:

Pumpkin Project: the Bagel edition

So I went to Panera this morning with the intent to buy a simple bagel (cinnamon crunch, plain). However, I discovered they have a new seasonal bagel and with this blog in mind figured I had better indulge. Boy am I glad I did!!

Panera Pumpkin Pie Bagel with NY Style Cheesecake Cream Cheese

This bagel is AMAZING. Seriously to die for. Not the best selection for breakfast food but a good indulgence every once in a while. The bagel itself tastes just like pumpkin pie, there are bits of pumpkin mix within the dough which makes it   tasty on it's own. The top has the same cinnamon crusty bits as the cinnamon crunch bagel, which is what sells it for me.

Pair it with the cream cheese and it's a slice of heaven. There are only a few things I can eat by the spoonful- peanut butter, nutella, brownie mix...ok maybe more then a few, but I could have eaten this cream cheese with a spoon. It tastes more like a frosting then a cream cheese, as it errs on the sweet side, but not too sweet that you can't put it on your bagel. I usually only use half the CC provided on my bagel, but I used every last bit today (as you can see in the photos). 

I don't get bagels all that often, so not as if it'd be a regular addition to my breakfast repertoire, but I certainly will have one more of these before they go away for the season. 

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Rating:

Let the Great Pumpkin Fun begin!

As much as I am a huge fan of summer ( not going to lie, I worship the sun) I love everything about fall- Football, the smell of burning leaves, halloween, apples, pumpkins... the list goes on and on. I talk every year about going pumpkin picking, or for a hayride, sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't. 

But today I got my first pumpkin cupcake of the season and had an epiphany. I am going to taste test every pumpkin cupcake and/or cookie in Baltimore possible and rate it here for you fine folks that read my blog. (Which, at this point is probably no one since I post so sporadically!) So while trying to hold onto good eating habits I'll have to sacrifice some for the sake of this project.

I'd already had the idea to have a pumpkin beer taste test party, so the results from that will come at a later date. For your entertainment, the first pumpkin cupcake review happens here:


Pumpkin Cupcake from the B&N Starbucks, via The Cheesecake Factory

The cake was billed as pumpkin, but it tasted more like a ginger/spice cake. Not bad by any means, but I was looking for more of a stand out pumpkin flavor. The cake itself was kind of dense, whereas I prefer my cupcakes to be light and moist. The frosting, cinnamon cream cheese, was the highlight. I prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, but for those that like a more subtle cinnamon taste this would hit the spot. The one downfall was the lack of frosting, I enjoy a larger cake to frosting ratio. 

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Rating:

Things that are annoying me today

So just wanted to take a second to touch on 2 issues that are irritating me today: people hating on Nabisco/Oreos and the uproar over Lupul and racy photos.

#1- So Oreo posted a photo an oreo cookie with rainbow frosting in honor of Pride Day and the comments were horrific. I can't even begin to explain how crude and disgusting they were (see for yourself) It's just amazing to me that people can be so hateful, especially those that bring God and the Bible into the picture. It says in the Bible "God says to not judge others as only he shall judge us" and the basis of religion in love and acceptance. If it is not hurting or affecting you, why must you care so much?? Homophobia needs to end now.

#2- Twitter was abuzz last night and today regarding Joffrey Lupul's request to Princess_Sass for dirty/nude photos. Now, please do not tell me that people have not attempted to get dirty photos online before, especially if you have the clout of celebrity or athlete status of which to do so. The thing that gets me is the epic proportions to which it was blown. Why does everyone care so much?? First of all- PS was in the wrong to tweet about his request. If you are going to start tweeting at him with the promise of photos-and deliver- why the need to call him out publicly about it. Let it be what it is. Many of us have sent or received dirty photos, you simply enjoy and destroy. Use your common sense and be discreet about it. Unless you are trying to blackmail someone (which I do not condone at all!) keep it to yourself. They are both of age, and he wasn't posting her photos up all over the internet. Let it rest people.

Princess Sass- power to you girl for sleeping with hot hockey players, but be kind and don't throw them under the bus.

Lupul- remember you are a well known athlete and make sure you can trust random chicks from online.

That's enough for now. I'm about to go eat an Oreo and hit on hotties online. Don't worry guys, I'm one of the discreet ones.

Single Life- The Ups and Downs

I just stumbled across this article on Jezebel today and it really hit home. For whatever reason lately I have been uber aware of other's relationships, marriages, pregnancies etc. Even just this morning I was contemplating my own happiness- am I really happy or am I just kidding myself? It's an interesting situation to be in.

On one hand I revel in being single. I love having my own place, doing my own thing. If there is a mess it's mine and mine only. I don't have to fight over tv programming or music choices. I do what I want, plain and simple. Unlike the author of the article, when I see people getting married/having babies I don't covet their lives. Instead I get a Peter Pan complex going on, why would anyone want to grow up?!? It's so much fun to be young and single and free from responsibility (besides a dog of course). Yes, I would love to be in a relationship, now in fact would be great, but it also kind of freaks me out. Perhaps it's because I've never been in a serious relationship and at the ripe age of 29 it seems like it will never happen or when it does that will be the only serious relationship I ever have. And I don't want that. I want to seriously date a couple/few guys before I settle in for the long haul. I think it's important to learn what you really want, and who you are as part of a couple. Though from the few casual relationships I have been apart of, however complicated they may have been, I know I make a damn good girlfriend.

The author talks a lot about how her married friends are the ones who are most persistent in asking why she is single. In my case my married friends (one in particular) tell me to stay single and childless for as long as possible. I think they revel in my stories of drunken hookups and random adventures, which is fine by me. Though at the same time I feel a slight undercurrent of judgement and relief they don't have to deal with that any longer.

I've always appreciated the fact that my mom was never one of those people to ask if I have a boyfriend/dating anyone, actually most people in my family don't besides my dad (who wants grandkids yesterday). However I was slightly insulted when at Christmas she asked my 14 yr old (step) niece if she had a boyfriend. Why ask her and not me?? Is it because you don't want to remind me I'm single? Every once in a while it'd be nice if she acted like there was a chance I might have a boyfriend.

I did make one of my 2012 goals to get into a relationship, however i think it's hard to accomplish something if you aren't 100% behind it. I'm not sure if I don't really want one, or I don't think I will find someone, but I'm kind of ambivalent towards the whole thing. Yes, I get lonely. Yes, I'd love to have someone to share life with and to just hang out with, but at the same time I feel like I want these things for selfish reasons. I love my life- I like my routine and the way I spend my weekends, I like hanging out with my dog. To date you really have to give those things up, and that annoys me. I want to magically wake up one day with a boyfriend whose life intersects perfectly with mine. And I know that is not possible at all.

So single, good or bad? It depends on the day and situation and if you are being left out b/c you aren't part of a twosome. But for the most part it works, and I always have Gordie. :-)

Goofy moods at work make Keely a silly girl

I get in silly moods- they come and go but when they are here who knows what will happen. As I happen to be in one now I figured I’d post a rambling of the things going through my mind, and out of my mouth, at this time.

-HUNGER GAMES!!! Only 50 days until it hits theatres, I cannot wait. Just entered 5 different contests to win tickets to the premiere. LA here I come!!
-Blood letting/leeches- damn glad I didn’t live in the days of Jefferson and Adams.
-Woo oh oh oh I kind of want to be driving in my car with the windows down and music really loud.
-too much smart talk from Mr. Babo
-I hate taxes. Like literally hate them. As in I may just not do them.Hopefully the I R S does not read my blog...
-I
-want
-to
-type
-like
-this
-for
-the
-rest
-of
-the
-day
-Our internet connection is horrible!!!!!!!!!!
-OMG I’m not sure there is anything I dread more than doing the photographer schedule for lax season. UGH

Cut from the same cloth

Don't get me wrong, my mother is a wonderful woman- she's intelligent, goofy/fun loving and creative. But I take pride in the fact that I differentiate from her in certain characteristics- I'm way more laid back and able to go with the flow. However there are situations that arise in which I realize I am more like her than I care to admit.

I realized today that my newspaper subscription has continually increased over the past couple of months and so I called the circulation desk. Upon discovering my sign up deal had expired (no big deal) I asked to change to only weekends only to be told it would cost me even more! Won't lie, I got the paper for the coupons in the first place, so icily said I would prefer to cancel my subscription. The person then came back to offer a better deal. Anywho, the whole point is that I could see my mom saying the words "Well I'll just cancel then" in a snippy tone with a tense facial expression, but in this case it was me.

In times of stubbornness, snippy moods, and the desire to be introverted I am my mother's daughter. I don't mean to focus on the negative by any means, I know I am lucky to be blessed with some of her great characteristics, but as time passes I realize I am getting more like her (and my grandma). Just an interesting recognition to be aware of...

January Goals

As in the previous post I mentioned I am setting monthly goals as well as yearly goals. Some have no influence on the yearly goals while others help break down the larger goals into more obtainable ones. I've come to realize you have to be made accountable not just to yourself but to everyone around you to truly be successful, so each month I'll be sharing the goals I've set.

Month #1....

• Visit the gym 20 times
• Take Gordie to the Vet
• Write 4 notes
• Sustain from alcohol, and if I do drink can only drink red wine

As you might have inferred my body/health took a backseat during the holidays. Drank too much, ate too much and exercised not enough. Trying to turn things around and get a head start on being in the best shape ever by the time my 30th rolls around in November.

2012 Goals

While this is late in posting I figured I'd better do it now before it slipped my mind. In my last post I reflected on my 2011, and now it's time to look forward into 2012. Last year I set goals for myself, and while I wasn't wonderful about meeting them I am taking another stab at it. I think I've set more realistic goals, and have monthly goals to help me obtain the yearly ones. So without further ado...

• Read 85 books
• Run in at least 5Ks/races
• Travel! Places I hope to see include Europe, the Caribbean and Vegas
• Donate $200 to charities/foundations
• Blog once a week (so far not meeting this yet, ha!)
• Write 52 Thank You/Thinking of you Notes
• See 1 movie at the theatre a month
• Try one new restaurant a month
• Write 25,000 words on my novel
• Find myself in a relationship that is healthy, fun and passionate
• Take Kyle to the 2013 Winter Classic

To help myself obtain these I made posters that I glued (yes glued, don't ask) to my closet door so I see them every single day. I really think that with perseverance and dedication I can make all my goals this year. Good luck to me!