Pineapple Neiman Marcus Bars

Pineapple Neiman Marcus Bars

You know my slight obsession with what I call Neiman Marcus Bars? It's gone from bad to worse.

When Slim provided me with a list of variations on the recipe, each yummier than the next, I knew I was a goner. I knew I'd go through them one by one. Of course, my coworkers are pretty excited, but SIODI isn't going so well..... The Peanut Butter Chocolate version was to-die-for and the one I made this week was pretty damn good as well.

For the pineapple version, I used a Pineapple Supreme cake mix, and added a drained 20 oz can of crushed pineapple to the topping along with an extra egg.

Anyway, here's what you need:

• 1 box Pineapple Supreme cake mix
• 1 stick butter (I use Parkay)
• 4 eggs
• 8 oz block of cream cheese (I use Philly 1/3 less fat)
• 1 box powdered sugar (I think it's 16 oz- but it's the box, not the bag)
• 20 oz can of crushed pineapple, drained
• glass pan (this is very important- must be a glass pan)

Combine: 1 egg beaten, 1 stick melted butter, and cake mix. Pat stiff dough in 9X13 pan that has been sprayed w/ Pam.

Combine: cream cheese, 3 eggs, and entire box of powdered sugar. Stir in drained pineapple. Pour this over dough.

Bake at 350 degrees 30-40 minutes, until top is golden brown. I let them cool and then store them in the fridge.

Local Gals: Want to Share My Sephora 20% Code?

I'll be placing an order this weekend, and I have a 20% off code and they'll be free shipping, so let me know if you want to to include anything for you. Local gals only- I don't want to mess with shipping anything, sorry.

Here's some suggestions:

Buxom Lash
Lash Stash Mascara Sampler
Stila Convertible Eye Color
Too Faced Mood Swing Lip Gloss
Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose and Plum
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
Clinique's Superdefense SPF 25 in Combination Oily to Oily
Sephora by OPI Nail Polish
CARGO PlantLove Lipstick in CeCe
The Balm Stainiac in Beauty Queen
Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Dominique

Shoot me an email if you have something to include in my order!

Is It Already Time For Christmas Candy?????

One of my favorite candy blogs (yes, there's a blog for everything) is Candy Blog and today they reviewed Dove Peppermint Bark Dark Chocolate Promises and I am tying myself to this chair so I don't run out right now and get some. How good do these look?

Has anyone tried them? Candy Blog says they are worth it, even better than an Andes Mint!

It's Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Fall

Febreze, oh how I love thee. I love that you make inexpensive candles that rival Yankee. I've been loving their limited edition candles since I discovered the Winds and Springtime variety in the spring.

Right now I am enjoying the Pumpkin Harvest & Fall scent. (Note: Dear Febreze, there's no need to remove past season's scents from your website if they are still in store and still in season. It seems silly to me that you removed your Fall 2009 scents when you introduced your Christmas 2009 scents....)

Moving on.... right now these are $5 at Target and you can use a $2 off coupon from the most recent P&G coupon insert, making these $3, which is a FABULOUS deal.

I also picked up Cranberries &Frost scent, which I haven't burned yet, but it smells equally yummy. Same price, same coupon, hell of a deal!

GDA: Disney Store 2 piece PJs for $5!

The Disney Store has their 2 piece long sleeved PJs for $5 right now! I was able to find two styles in size 6, which is what I need for P.

Don't forget to go thru ebates for 5% back!

Once you get to the Disney site, click on Shop by Category on the left side, then choose Deal of the Day. For some reason, that's the only way to get the $5 PJs. Several styles for girls and boys.

Happy Shopping!

These Boots Are Made For Walking

Toddler Girls' Xhilaration® Dafny Cowboy Boots - Brown ($19.99 at Target)

We're doing family pictures in a few weeks, and I've been keeping an eye out for some boots to go with a brown corduroy dress I picked up for WC to wear. I found the above boots at Target and they are precious! She loved them so much she wanted to wear them to church today and I think they looked so cute with her denim dress.

I had a wonderful day with no obligations after church, so I organized the laundry room (stuffed more stuff in the cabinets in there so it would be out of sight). I found some new crayons the kids can use, a Coach purse hidden under some stuff, about 5 other things I'd been looking for recently, and of course, some Halloween candy.

All in all, a great day and I'm super-sad to see the weekend come to an end. Manic Monday, here we come!

Cheese!

I am dying laughing over P's K school pic.

How hilarious is his "Cheese!" face?

I'm so proud of myself- the pics came home Thursday and I've already cut them apart and pasted a wallet in his School Years Book.

I don't promise to keep up this being-on-top-of-things business, but I've got a spurt of energy and am anxious to see what I can get done while it lasts.

If I Were Still Living in the Chi O House

Pottery Barn Kids Brooke Bedding

I would totally have this bedding.

Well, probably not, because I never had any money back then and rocked the Walmart bedding, but still, I'd want this bedding.

Hoot hoot!

I Am Wondering

Pottery Barn Kids Snowman Bedding Collection

Are there people out there with enough disposable income that they are buying special bedding just for the holidays?

Who are these people?

What the hell are they thinking?????

Are You?

Are you using twitter?

I am SashaSaysBlog.

Anyone Clairvoyant?

If you were four tickets to Curious George Live, where in my house would you be hiding??????

Link to a Fab Giveaway

Go visit my friend Katy today. She is hosting a no-strings-attached givewaway of a FREE Scentsy warmer (of your choosing) and 1 scent bar (of your choosing). {$35.00 value}

I was recently given one of their plug-in warmers as a gift and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

Go see Katy!

Trick-or-Treating

Here's my two kiddos ready to go gather some candy. I am so proud that P found a costume he was excited to wear- if you've been a Sasha Says reader for any length of time, you probably remember he has an aversion to all things dress-up. But he loved this policeman costume and was so pumped to wear it.

Hope you had a Happy Halloween as well!

Halloween

My husband texted me this picture this morning when he took her in for her Halloween party at preschool..... I really really wish I was there. I am having a rough day today and I am not where I want to be right now.

How sweet is my little Buzz Light-ner with her Princess trick-or-treat pail?

Up for Grabs: Coupon Code for $100 bonus from Chase

In the mail I got a flyer that offers a $100 bonus if you sign up for a new Chase Checking account and set up direct deposit.

Mr. Sasha and I used one for $125 about last year and I set up a little money to go there each payroll as a direct deposit and it worked! We got our $125 just a few weeks later!

This code can be used to set up an account online, so I'll be glad to share this month's code with the first person to leave me a comment with their email address!

Please comment only if you will truly use this code- I'd hate for it to go to waste!

These were the stipulations last time and I assume they are still the same:

•First direct deposit must be made within 60 days
•Account must stay open for 6 months
•Must deposit $100 of new money (money not currently held up Chase of its affiliates)
•Limit one personal checking account-related reward/premium per customer per year
•$100 will be deposited in your account 6-8 weeks after initial direct deposit is made
•Reward is considered interest and will be reported to the IRS on IRS Form 1099-INT

GDA: Amazon Wii Games

Found on Amazon today- Spend $80 on select Wii games and get a $40 credit to use towards a future Wii game purchase! Awesome!

Details:

Spend $80 on select games and receive a $40 promotional claim code usable towards a future Wii, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 game purchase. To qualify for the credit, you must check out with two or more eligible items in your cart. Only purchases from Amazon.com as the seller and made between October 26, 2009 and October 31, 2009 will qualify for this promotion. Only one (1) promotional claim code will be sent per household. Codes will be sent via email seven (7) business days after all items in the qualifying order have shipped.


Here's a list of the Games Eligible for Promotion

Stop Aging Me!

The Wild Child wore me out last week on our family vacay at Silver Dollar City.

She ran from person to person, talking them up and finding out what they were up to.

At one point, she ran up to the broom shop and knocked on the door. A little old man opened the door and said, "Well, hello there, little lady."

WC asked "What's your name?" and he replied "Stan".

Then she said...... wait for it.....

"I'm The Wild Child (really, she said her name) and this is my grandma, Shasha."

WHAT??????

Fabulous Giveaway at Manicure Mommas

Smoochiefrog is sponsoring a fabulous giveaway at Manicure Mommas- one unopened package of OPI mini nail polishes in the following colors: Ghostess with the Mostess, Boo-berry (both of which glow in the dark) and Pumped-Up Pumpkin.

Head over to Manicure Mommas to see how to enter! Good luck!

Flu

I Haz It.

What's For Dinner?

Upside Down Taco Cornbread Pizza

Have you ever made Taco Cornbread Pizza? We absolutely love it around here and I've blogged about it before. Taco meat and cornbread are just yummy together.

Since I'm such an inventive chef, I had a grand idea to reverse the layers and do it in an 8X8 pan and we absolutely love it that way too.

Here's the modified the recipe:

What you'll need:

• 1 pkg. (8.5 oz.) corn muffin mix (I ONLY use Jiffy! 44 cents!)


• 1 egg


• skim milk


• 1 lb. ground beef


• 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix (I typically get the low sodium McCormick)


• shredded cheese

Cook meat with seasoning mix as directed on package. Pour meat in the bottom of an 8X8 pan that's been sprayed with Pam. Sprinkle generously with cheese. I use Colby-Jack.

Prepare corn muffin batter as directed on package using egg and skim milk; spread evenly over meat and cheese.

Bake at 400 for about 15-20 minutes, until cornbread is done.

Enjoy!

Right Now I Am Listening To

Jason Mraz "If It Kills Me"

The Tote That Will Change the World

How darling is this tote from Avon?

It was designed by Marimekko® exclusively for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. It's 100% cotton canvas with enamel pink-ribbon-motif zipper pull. The size is 16 1/2" L x 13 1/2" H x 6 1/2" D.

100% of the net profits ($6.24) will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

At $10, I think this is a fabulous deal!

My Avon rep, Valeri, is always so nice to let Sasha Says readers use a free shipping code! Please follow these steps so you can use the code and give Valeri credit.


1. Visit Valeri's site to make her your default rep

2. Log into ebates to get 5% back and go through them to get to the Avon site

3. Once the Avon site pulls up again, you should see Valeri's name near the top of the site

4. Choose your products and then use code FSANY or REPFS to get free shipping

Happy Shopping!

Right Now I Am Listening To

Last week I received a new CD in the mail to review: Jonny Diaz "More Beautiful You". I immediately put in the CD player in the Fan (Family Van) and fell in love!

Jonny's music reminds me of Jack Johnson and Matt Costa.... that mellow, calming, comforting style I crave. But Jonny's songs are actually Contemporary Christian music and what a treat that was! We attend a contemporary worship service at our Methodist church and each week I look forward to getting to worship while listening to awesome inspiring music. I think Jonny's music would fit right in.

Jonny has opened for some of Christian music's biggest acts like MercyMe and Steven Curtis Chapman. I really think you'll love his acoustic style and you've got to check out "The Opener (Bonus Track)". Too cute..... (And wouldn't you know he's a baseball player.... my weakness!)

Be sure and head over to my giveaway site where I'll be giving away 5 copies of his CD "More Beautiful You"!

I Am The Proud Borrow of

The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child

My bargain ladies assure me that this is the book for me. Since I have a child that is un-punishable (Me: If you don't do what I say, I'll turn the TV off! WC: Fine, I want you to turn it off!) and doesn't quite know her boundaries and how to show respect (Me: Don't you talk to me that way! WC: Don't you talk to ME that way Momma!) it stands to reason that positive reinforcement is the way to go. A part of this equation is that you simply can't contain her (so time-out isn't an option) and she really thinks getting in trouble is quite funny.

Actually, we've already been working on positive reinforcement with her therapist, and we've made great strides. I just want to institute some consistency in our days and hope to have more goods days than bad, so I've been looking for a "method" and I'm hoping this is the one.

So tell me, do you have any experiences with this book? I checked this out from the public library at lunch today and can't wait to dive into it this weekend. I'm planning for a Monday start, because, well, we all know it's just not possible to start anything new on a day other than Monday.

Glee Love

I am so excited! I just download several songs from Glee and I can't wait to get them on my ipod and get out and run run run! I am feeling so much better this week and have actually gotten on the treadmill twice. It's been over two months since I've exercised and I packed on about 10 pounds and I can't wait to get back in the swing of things. These songs ought to do it!

• Don't Stop Believin'
• Gold Digger
• Mercy
• Rehab

What other ones should I get? These songs make so me happy! I pink puffy heart Glee and you cannot be my friend unless you are watching......

Ready to Start Christmas Shopping?

Don't forget to check the Amazon Movers and Shakers page daily. Any time a toy goes on sale and gains in sales rank, it'll appear here. That's where I found all my good deals last year!

Happy Shopping!

GDA: Boys Mocs at Lands' End

Boys All Weather Mocs from Lands' End

I am such a creature of habit! I've been buying these exact same mocs in mahogany for P for church shoes for the past 4 years! They are comfy, reasonably-priced at $29.50, and oh-so-cute!

Here's the best part: if you happen to need a 9, 10, 11 or 2, they are on sale for $14.99! I snatched up a pair of 13s for P last night, but they appear to be out of stock in that size today.

And here's a free shipping code for someone to use (expires today): Enter the Promotion Code OCT6 and the PIN 1006 in the space provided.

And if that code happens to not work, just click on "Get Live Help- Chat Online" and sweetly ask if they have a free shipping code since the one you have doesn't work, and they might just give you one!

By all means, don't you forget to go through ebates! I'm approaching $900 in cash back since I joined and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Secret: Fabulous Homemade Pizza

Williams-Sonoma Nonstick GoldTouch™ Pizza Crisper

Do you know about these fabulous pizza pans? Until very recently, I did not and always lamented that my pizza crust never quite baked right- it was never the same crispness in the middle as it was on the edges.

Some friends invited us over for pizza one night and let us in on the secret: these pans!

We don't have a Williams-Sonoma locally, but I picked up a similar pan at Target last week and I am so glad I did! What a difference! I am sold and will never go back to regular pizza pans.

Sierra Mist Free Cranberry Splash is BACK!!!!!

Crazy Y2K me picked up three 12 packs of Sierra Mist Free Cranberry Splash because I was simply beside myself that I found it! It appeared at Target for a very short time last Christmas, then disappeared just as quickly.

This stuff is fabulous and makes you feel like you are having an alcoholic beverage, and right now, this is about as close as I can get until I get some good lab work and my poor body is back to normal, and who knows when that will be.... so this is totally hitting the spot!

Note: There's been a packing change, but the 12 pack I picked up looked like the design above and was called Sierra Mist Free. However, inside the package, the cans had the design below on them and the name has been changed a bit to Diet Sierra Mist. They must have had some boxes left over from last year! Funny.....

Show Us Your Life - Baby Gear

Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Led Zeppelin

Oh, how I love classic rock music. So when I saw this lullaby CD I just had to get it for WC. Every night, we play this CD on a low volume as she is going to sleep. The lullaby versions of Led Zeppelin songs are simply beautiful! If you are a fan, you'll definitely recognize the songs, but if not, you'll still love the beautiful melodies and instruments.

They also have versions for Metallica, The Beatles, Bob Marley, U2, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Cure, AC/DC, and so many others. Such a fun idea!

SmartXide CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

About two years ago I had a photofacial done at a local medical spa. I loved the results! I had some pretty bad hyperpigmentation below my cheekbones and it basically got rid of it.

Alas, two years, birth control hormones, and a trip to Mexico did a number on my face and I found myself with quite a bit of hyperpigmentation again.

So last week I went in for another photofacial, expecting the same drill. Turns out it wasn't nearly as brown as last time, and the laser just wouldn't pick it up. The doctor suggested I come back for "SmartXide CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing". She warned me that I'd look sunburned for up to two weeks, but that it should take care of the uneven pigment.

So here's how I'm looking today. I went to work and am off to a concert tonight. I'm not at all worried about what people might think- although WC asked me why my face was bruised. How do you explain vanity to a 3 year old? :-) I know I'll love the end result!

Target, how cool!

I managed to remember to take in my reusable shopping bag to Target today, and I got a little surprise!

As of last Saturday, they take 5 cents off your total for each reusable bag you bring in and use!

Love that.....

Dear Tom Bergeron,

I just wanted to let you know that I simply didn't have 5 hours to devote to Dancing With the Stars last week.

Are you going to do that to me again this week? Your show has become quite a time commitment and this busy working mom of two who still doesn't feel 100% after her recent illness simply can't fit watching this show into her schedule.

Call me when it's back to 2/3 hours per week.

Love,

More Hemangioma Information

I have gotten quite a few hits and comments lately about the post I did on WC's hemangioma and the pictures I took as it ulcerated and ultimately healed. I also posted several pictures of her H showing the scar revision surgeries we have done over the past year.

Several people have asked for advice and I want to do an overview post.

First of all, not all hemangiomas will ulcerate. Ulceration is caused by rapid growth, and as this happens, if the overlying skin is unable to handle the growth, the skin will break open and ulcerate. Also, not all ulcerations will get infected. WC's never did.

Typically, most doctors recommend a "wait and see" approach if the H is not ulcerated and does affect breathing, eating, or vision. So if you don't fit in these categories, you most likely won't need to see a specialist.

Some doctor recommendations I got:

Dr. Zide in NY
http://www.hemangioma.com/
He is a pediatric plastic surgeon. He did surgery on a baby I know of who had one above her eye because there was danger of it affecting her vision. If you email him a picture, he will give you his opinion. He is very hesitant to do surgery if it is not needed. He told us he would not do surgery on WC because it wasn't needed at the time. He said he would rather wait and do a scar adjustment surgery later.

Dr. Waner in NY
http://wehealnewyork.org/services/vascular_Birthmarks/
Dr. Waner is pretty much the pioneer in the field.

Dr. Levitin
http://www.birthmark.org/node/152
When I chatted with Dr. Levitin he was in NY with Dr. Waner but it looks like he was relocated in LA. Levitin will give his opinion via email- You may reach Dr. Levitin via email at drlevitin@gmail.com, through his website at http://www.vascularbirthmarkcenter.com/.

Dr. John Burns in Dallas - this is who we ended up using
http://www.kidsplastsurg.com/vascular.cfm
Dr. Burns is a Pediatric Plastic Surgeon who specializes in vascular abnormalities. Really, I think they are the best kinds of doctors to see for this. I don't know that they will give opinions from pictures.

Dr. Buckmiller in Arkansas
http://www.otolaryngology.uams.edu/vascular/index.asp
Dr. Buckmiller trained under Dr. Waner and gave us an opinion via email and suggested that we wait to get a better cosmetic result, since the ulceration had healed.

Here is the email address I sent the pic to to get an opinion from Dr. Buckmiller.
BussardDianeM@uams.edu Diane Bussard

Here are a few online forums that are helpful:
http://www.novanews.org/
http://www.novanews.org/NOVAPhysicians.htm list of physicians by state

http://www.birthmark.org/ Vascular Birthmark Foundation

I know I overloaded you all with links- hope some of it is helpful! If you have other questions, ask away.

So here's is what I would do if I had a baby with an ulcerated hemangioma:
Email Dr. Zide, Dr. Levitin, and Dr. Buckmiller and get opinions from them. Also try to see a doctor in your area that is on the VBF or NOVA recommended list. My experience is that it is best to see someone who specializes in vascular birthmarks- we settled on a Pediatric Plastic Surgeon that specializes in vascular birthmarks and I feel good about that.

Show Us Your Life - Dessert Recipe

Um, yeah. I just improved upon perfection.

My famous, prize-winning Neiman Marcus Bars mated with Jif, Reese's peanut butter chips, and a chocolate cake and out came:

PB Chocolate Gooey Bars

All my co-workers pink-puffy-hearted me today.

And you will too! Although these are not SIODI-approved, they rock.

Anyway, here's what you need:

• 1 box Duncan Hines Deluxe chocolate cake mix
• 1 stick butter (I use Parkay)
• 4 eggs
• 8 oz block of cream cheese (I use Philly 1/3 less fat)
• 1 cup Jif peanut butter
• 1 bag Reese's peanut butter chips
• 1 box powdered sugar (I think it's 16 oz- but it's the box, not the bag)
• glass pan (this is very important- must be a glass pan)

Combine: 1 egg beaten, 1 stick melted butter, and cake mix. Pat stiff dough in 9X13 pan that has been sprayed w/ Pam.

Combine: cream cheese, 3 eggs, Jif, and entire box of powdered sugar. Stir in PB chips. Pour this over dough.

Bake at 350 degrees 30-40 minutes, until top is golden brown. I let them cool and then store them in the fridge.

Boomer!

GDA: Crocs Nanook for Moms and Daughters

There's an awesome sale at Crocs.com on Crocs Nanook!

Save an additional 25% with code anaappreciate1119. Shipping is Free.

After the 25% off code, these are the final prices:

Girl's Crocs Nanook $7.49
Women's Crocs Nanook $11

Don't forget to go thru Ebates for an additional 4% off!

Local Gals: Sashaslist

Local Gals- if you could use a Britax Marathon that doesn't expire until Feb 2010, let me know and it's yours.

The cover needs a little washing and some new elastic around the perimeter, but if you are handy with a sewing machine you'd at least get 6 month's use out of it before it expires.

It was used by both our children exclusively in our vehicle and was never in an accident, not even a fender bender.

Email me at barelytogether at yahoo dot com if you'd like to come get it!

note: Claimed by Megan!

Show Us Your Life - Dinner Recipes

Everybody's got a go-to dinner recipe, right? One that everyone in your family loves? The Sasha Family Favorite is Taco Cornbread Pizza from the Kraft website.

I modify slightly, so here's how I do it.

What you'll need:

• 1 pkg. (8.5 oz.) corn muffin mix (I ONLY use Jiffy! 44 cents!)
• 1 egg
• skim milk
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix (I typically get the low sodium McCormick)
• shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare corn muffin batter as directed on package using egg and skim milk; spread into well-greased 12-inch pizza pan. Bake 8 to 10 min. or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook meat with seasoning mix as directed on package.

Spread meat mixture over the crust and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake an additional 4 to 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Top as desired with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, etc.

There's just something about taco meat and cornbread together that is so yummy!

Family Portrait by P

It's kind of hard to see, but P used the grey crayon for his dad's hair..... how funny is that?

The hubs didn't think it was nearly as funny as I did. He's been salt-and-pepper since he was about 16.

On another note, I am digging my pink shoes and bleached-blonde hair. So cute!

Not What I Planned

When I was pregnant with The Wild Child and found out the baby was a girl- I was taken aback! I was so sure it was going to be another boy, and hell, I'd saved all the baby clothes! The bargain hunter in me was disappointed that I'd need new nursery bedding and clothes... but wait! I'd need new nursery bedding and clothes! Fun fun fun.

So of course I started dreaming of a little girl who'd let me curl her hair, do all kind of fun hairdos, and dress her in beautiful frilly clothes- and since football is such a big thing around here, I could just envision the Sasha family at tailgate parties outside the stadium.... how cute our family would be! Of course, I'd dress in her things like this:

Yeah, it's not going how I planned. Try as we did to get her in a cute little cheerleader outfit, this is what she wore to the game:

She was still very mad at me right here because I was trying to convince her that the jersey she dug out of her brother's drawer was way too big.....


But once I gave in and said she looked "cool" (oh-so-important to her) the smile came back and we were off to the tailgate party.

Oh, it was muddy. But they had a ball and when WC was her muddiest and looked so happy and carefree, my friend Gina said, "It's like she's at her own little Woodstock!" How right she was.

WC is going to be one to march to her own drummer.... she's going to dress how she wants, stereotypes be damned, and she's going to have the best time doing it. Shouldn't we all be like that?

Happy Sunday! Hope you are enjoying the day like the Sasha family is!

It's Sure a Shame

I'm not a better photographer, but I sure as hell am going to look chic when I get my new camera strap I ordered from mod for my Rebel (which stays on auto, shut up).

My friend Michelle from college knows the owner and her stuff is so so so cute! As soon as I can get home and post a pic for you I will- I have a new version of IE here at work and it's killing me! Can't upload photos to blogger and it also shuts down my window each time I send a yahoo email! The horror...

At any rate, if you can't wait, you can go see for yourself. I picked out the charlotte strap, which is on the second page of straps at the top.

Happy shopping!

Fabulous News!

My doc thinks I had some random viral infection, similar to mono. And it messed up my liver, which in turn messed up my gall bladder.

But I am feeling much better and he says I will continue to feel better everyday and all should return to normal. And I'm not contagious!

Thanks for all your prayers!

I Do NOT Have

• a parasite (verified with two separate tests)
• Hepatitis A (verified with two tests)
• Hepatitis B or C (one test)

I do have:

• elevated liver enzymes, although my last test shows them going down a bit, but not to a normal level
• sludge in my gall bladder detected via abdominal ultrasound (they think that's an incidental finding and unrelated to my illness, yet still want me to have a HIDA scan tomorrow)
• a hemangioma on my liver (although that's not an issue, just interesting given WC's hemangioma history

I am waiting to find out about:

• the abdominal CT scan I had last Thursday

I also have a cold, which is pissing me off royally. Srsly? Now??????

At any rate, I hope to be back to myself soon. I haven't exercised in an entire month! (Or drank a beer, but I suppose that's neither here nor there since I haven't felt like it.)

Thanks for your prayers and get-well wishes!

An Explanation of Sorts

So sorry I haven't been myself, and posts aren't as usual.

But I have been sick, sick, sick, for almost a month and we just can't figure it out.

This week I've had quite a bit of testing done (I'm a giant pin cushion right now) and hopefully the GI doc will have a solution for me soon.

I also imagine I'm setting a record for the first person sick for this long who isn't losing any weight. Boo!

So just a small request for some prayers for relief and answers. I would really appreciate it.

Finally: My Anniversary Present

Coach Parker

I've been meaning to post this forever!

In CO, due to my carcolepsy, I of course fell asleep driving from the airport to Manitou Springs. The hubs woke me up at an outlet mall and handed me a Coach gift card! Fun!!!!!

I already had the Parker in Violet and I love love love this purse. Absolutely perfect. I love it like I love the Carly, but this is lighter weight and I adore the side pockets, where I can store my cell and easily find it.

I found the Cream Parker on sale, and I even mentioned to the salesperson that I had a 20% off coupon at home, and she went ahead and gave me the discount, so I scored this baby for a little over $100. Amazing! I also picked up that cute little scarf and a scarf for my Violet Parker too, which I'll show you later.

It was a perfect present- of course the hubs knows me so well!

A Dessert Update

Well, seems like lots of folks from here in the (south)west do call them Neiman Marcus Bars. But Chess Cake? That's a new one for me. That came up in the comments and by chance I stumbled upon a blog who mentions them.

And Slim? She's on my list. Fo sho. She had the nerve to email me this list and now I can't wait to be well so I can make the last one on the list......

Pumpkin Gooey: This variation has to be at the top of my list, especially around Thanksgiving. For the cake part, I sometimes use a spice cake mix. I have even used a chocolate cake mix, but I think my favorite is the basic yellow cake mix. Follow the original recipe, adding a 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filling and an extra egg to the cream cheese filling. Bake as usual, remove from oven, and allow to cool. Cut into squares and top each square with a pecan half. Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. I promise you'll never want pumpkin pie again!

Pineapple Gooey: Add a 20-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple and an extra egg to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.

Lemon Gooey: Use a lemon cake mix in place of the yellow cake. Add the juice (approximately 1/4 cup) and zest of 2 lemons to the cream cheese filling. Proceed: as directed above.

Carrot Cake Gooey: Use a spice cake mix, and add 1 cup chopped nuts and 1 1/2 cup finely grated carrots to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.

Peanut Butter Gooey: Use a chocolate cake mix. Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter and an extra egg to cream cheese filling. You can sprinkle the top of batter with 1 cup chopped peanuts if you like. Proceed as directed above.

Chocolate Chip Gooey: Use either yellow or chocolate cake mix. Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped nuts on top of filling. Proceed as directed above.

Banana Gooey: Use a yellow cake mix. Prepare cream cheese filling as directed, beating in 2 ripe bananas and an extra egg. Proceed as directed above.

Nutty Gooey: Use a yellow cake mix, and add 1 cup chopped nuts to the cake mixture. Proceed as directed above.

Chippy Gooey: Stir 1 cup white chocolate chips, peanut butter chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, Heath Almond Toffee Bits or Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits into filling. Proceed as directed above.

Would You Tell Me About

your experience with what I call "Neiman Marcus Bars"?

Last week I squeed in delight when one of my favorite blogs, CakeSpy, had a feature on a dessert that seemed identical to my all-time favorite (and prize-winning) dessert, Neiman Marcus Bars. Only Head Spy Jessie called it "Gooey Butter Cake."

I left Jessie a comment and said: Here in OK, we call them Neiman Marcus bars and store them in the refrigerator... delish!

To my delight, I found an email from Jessie in my in box the next morning: Sasha,
So I am SO curious--how did you come across that Neiman Marcus bar recipe? It seems that they have a few recipes attached to their name (and in some cases, it's urban legend rather than them having actually invented it!). I'm curious about pinpointing the connection between Neiman and sweets! thanks again for reading the site. Yours is wonderful!! jessie

My first experience with theses little pieces of heaven dates back to high school- sometime in the late 80s I recall eating these at a drill team function. Someone's mom was famous for these and made them for us quite a few times. I just can't remember exactly who!

Of course, since I was concentrating on beer in college, I didn't think too much about these again until after I graduated and moved out into my own home, complete with a kitchen and oven just waiting to bake some goodies. Only I couldn't find the recipe! And remember, the internet back then wasn't what it is today. No myspace or facebook to reconnect with all my high school friends and Nancy Drew the recipe.

In 2002 or 2003 I spied them again on a plate at a Junior League function and hunted down the baker. She shared her recipe for "Butter Puffs" with me and it was just as I remembered! I've been baking them frequently ever since, and sharing the recipe with anyone who wants it, but I've been calling it the name I remember from high school, Neiman Marcus Bars.

I posted a plea on facebook last night asking high school friends if they remember the dessert, and I did have one friend who shared the identical recipe with me and also titled hers "Neiman Marcus Bars", so that's one vote that I'm not crazy!

So tell me, are you familiar with these? What do you call them? Where did you get your recipe?

GDA: Free $10 GGP Mall Gift Cerfiticate

Local gals, our mall is a GGP mall!

Shop Smart Look Fab, presented by Bank Of America & Express stores, offer a Free $10 Gift Card to your local GGP Shopping Mall. Follow the instructions below.

Click Here
Enter Zip code and click "enter information"
If the name of a Mall is displayed at the bottom, click on it
Click "get a free gift now, limited time offer" (2nd tab at bottom of the box)
Enter email in the box and click "sign up fast"
An email will be sent to you with a confirmation code to print out
Present the print-out at your Mall between Sept 17-19 to get your GC

GDA: Crocs BOGO Free Sale

That's a little hard to see, I know, but I just scored 2 pair of Crocs for WC for $14.99 with free shipping! They are having a BOGO free sale on some of their shoes. After the fact, I read you can use code slx8797 for an additional 25% off. I may try to do another order!

Happy Shopping!

GDA: Winter Coats for the Kiddos

Great deal on 3-in-1 jackets from LL Bean.

They are marked down from $69 to $29.99.

Remember to go through ebates for 2% back and use promotional code 3011901 for free shipping.

I got the Bright Navy for P in little kids large 6X-7 and the Pink Lilac for WC in little kids medium 5-6.

Happy shopping!

And I Am More Alive

but still not back at it.

No parasite, so that means the super-duper antibiotic they gave me Saturday wasn't needed and most likely made my stomach sicker. Nice.

So I'm on nothing (yay!), munching on some mashed potatoes and G2 waiting for the magic moment where I say "I'm Back!!!".

Stay tuned.....

I Am Alive

but barely.

Either in Mexico, CO, or who knows where, I've picked up some illness that has wrecked my stomach and it's been going on for two weeks. I haven't mentioned it because, well, that's not why you come here!

At the urging (insistence actually) of the hubs and a good friend, I finally went to the dr Saturday for various testing and got started on antibiotics, which I am afraid may be making it worse. Hopefully today the tests will come back and we shall know what's going on. TG for my work's generous sick leave!

O M G Worst Mom Evah

Yeah, we'll have to recreate the First Day of School tomorrow because this is the only shot I got.

I would have said "You'll never believe this..." but that would be pointless since you all know me and probably think this is very believable, and most likely, predictable.

We were running late this morning and had to drive WC clear across town to her preschool and then by the time we made it back by our house to P's school, it was right at 7:52, which is 3 minutes before the bell rings and school starts. So I spent about 45 seconds in the classroom before I realized it was time for the parents to leave.

So this is the one shot we got. And he looks a little goofy in it.

I am most upset that I didn't get the planned "P and his backpack shot" showing his full body.

So we shall set the alarm for 10 minutes earlier tomorrow and try again.

And I suppose we'll laugh about it later, one day when he's an adult and we are looking through his School Days album and I tell him the picture on the K page of his first day of school is actually his second day of school.

But I'm sure by then, he'll be used to stuff like that.

Buzz Light-ner

WC wants to be Buzz Light-ner (Note: not Lightyear) for Halloween. She's been asking me if I've gotten her costume for about 5 months, and slacker mom that I am, I haven't.

And no, she's never seen the movie. I'm sure she has no idea he's a character in the movie.

She just loves the costume. There's one in the Busy 3s class and she's wearing it about 3 times a week when we pick her up from school. Outside sometimes. Please note that it's August in the (south)west and 100 degrees.

Better Late Than Never: The 10 Years Post

I was married before digital cameras were mainstream.

And my photographer has disappeared, I think, so all I have is this somewhat mangled picture. It used to be in a pretty silver frame on the mantle, but our cat Phil (God rest his feline soul) knocked it off the mantle and onto a set of weights and the glass shattered and dented the picture in several places on my dress, as you can see above.

So this is a picture of a crappy picture. I do have some other pictures, but the ceremony pictures are dark and the pictures he took of me before the ceremony were ruined before being developed, so we recreated the scene a month later and it just wasn't the same.

Our 10th anniversary was August 14th and I'm in disbelief that it's been 10 years! Oh, I loved my dress! It was ivory (ivory went better with my overly-tanned complexion) and after they cut about 5 feet off the bottom hem and nipped the sides in a bit, it fit perfectly. I swear they probably made a whole new dress of out those scraps. I'm saving that dress in case WC is 5'2" and thinks a retro late-90s dress is cool.

Hopefully I'll get my act together soon and post about our trip to CO and my new Coach purse, but I've had a stomach virus and haven't been up to being creative or funny in about a week. We even had to cancel our dinner/movie plans on Friday and that sucked.

So as Scarlet would say, "Tomorrow's another day" and maybe, just maybe, I'll get around to it!

I'm Crazy for "Gown Crazy"

Last night I tivo'd Gown Crazy on TLC and just started watching it. I literally had to stop it and come and post how much I love Kayne and how much I've missed seeing him since Project Runway Season 3!

He's over the top and rhinestone-crazy, but that's what makes him fun! I really want to track him down and take him out for a drink- what a hoot that would be! I actually may do that. Would that be too stalker-ish?

But you totally need to watch! It looks like there is one more airing of it today......

Happy 6th Birthday P!

2 days old - August 15, 2003

a week or so later

6 years old!

Amazing! Where did 6 years go? I can't believe how much and how fast you've grown.

We certainly weren't ready for you when you decided to make your appearance a month early. No bag was packed, the car seat was still sealed in the box in the garage, and I had so many things left to do in those last few weeks I thought I had. And somehow I don't feel like I've been caught up or ready since... but it's not a bad or scary feeling. It just the feeling that we'll figure it all out together as a family.

I'm continually amazed by you. You are so eager to explore the world and learn new things. I'm excited for all the adventures ahead of us. I am so proud of you and so glad that I'm blessed to be your mom.

I love you P!

My Son, The Tradesman

Last week The Politician came home from school and showed me a pressed penny.

I asked where he got it, and he replied, "I traded D for it."

"What did you trade for it?" I asked.

"A cell phone."

Shred It Or Dread It Update

My eating has been out of control! PTO last night was at BJ's and I had 3 beers (light, but still!) and shared a Sweet Pig pizza and Pizookie with a dear friend and it was divine. But none of my pants fit today!

So I suppose I have no more excuses- today's the day! (Yes, I know you've heard it before, but I pinky swear I'm back on board with SIODI.)



I am loving my Hungry Girl emails and plan on looking for these today. How yummy do the Yoplait Delights look? Can't wait to try them all! (follow the link and print a $1 coupon!)

Mascara Review 1: Benefit Bad Gal

Benefit BADGal Lash ($19)

Boo. I didn't like this at all. It didn't do much in the way of lengthening or thickening. And, at the end of the day I'd have little smudgies under my lower lash line.

So that's a no-go.

But do you love it? Because I have a brand-new, unopened mini size of this, which retails for $9 on Sephora. I'll be glad to send it to someone who already uses this and knows they like it. That way it won't be wasted!

Email me at barelytogether at yahoo dot com if that's you!

Dear Food Network,

I am SO excited that Melissa won The Next Food Network Star!

And you guys work fast! I see her new show, $10 Dinners, premiers this Sunday at 11:30 am CST.

She's got a great personality, and is a busy mom just like me that I can totally relate to. I can't wait to watch and get some tips!

In Your Prayers Tonight

will you include the family in this blog post please? They just lost their little boy to leukemia and my heart aches for them.

Favor

Post a comment if you can see my blog today- for some reason, I can't! Google tells me it can't go there because it looks suspicous or something nutty.... can you see me?

Edit: I think it's fixed now... carry on!

Notes From School: 8-4-09

The Wild Child got in trouble today for emptying all her classmates water cups outside, with the company of three other friends. Please talk to her about her choices.

Sasha is Super-Fancy Now

How much do we LOVE my new design? I look so pro-fessional now! (And please say it that way- say PRO Fessional like it's two words, and then you'll be an honorary Okie!)

Many many thanks to Karen at Simply Amusing Designs- she is fabulous to work with and "got" me so quickly! Be sure and visit her if you are in need of a redesign- I know you'll be another one of her satisfied customers.

Notes from School: Friday July 31

I am so sorry to tell you this- during art time, WC and her friend took a pair of scissors from the art table and went back by the cubbies. Before we could stop them, the friend cut a piece of hair on the back of WC's head. It is very hard to see the piece that was cut, but we are still so sorry it happened. We put away the scissors for the day and explained that we only cut our art projects.

Looks like WC is headed for a Dorothy Hamil cut. Twice in one week!