{Squint + Photoshop = cheap designer jeans}

Oh, hello!

Boy, have I missed you … tight deadlines you know.  

Speaking of tight, last night I attended a Jeans Trunk Show.  Ever been?  There are piles upon piles of designer jeans, stacked by size, for men and women.  You simply find a pair you like, try on, and (in my case) snicker.

I arrived in my $14.99 blue light specials … and left in my $14.99 blue light specials.  Apparently I’ve been nibbling the likes of chocolate cupcakes a tad too much, because my butt, in those jeans, was not a pretty sight. 

Thankfully, there were delectable treats to help ease the pain. 

Now, on to the weekend my friends!  May it be a good one–skinny jeans or no, may it find you surrounded by the comfort of friends and the music of laughter …

Case in point: Chocolate Cupcakes Stuffed with Strawberry Chocolate Ganache and Frosted with Chocolate Glaze and Buttercream. 

I did make a few changes:

1) I prefer Dutch cocoa because it’s the epitome of chocolaty goodness.  However, if the recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa you’re suppose to add a bit of vegetable oil—and there’s a slight possibility that will make them fall a bit. 

2)  Since chocolate and strawberries always seem a bit lonely without a hint of cinnamon, I added some. 

Oh, and I made 12 rather than 8—thanks to a lapse in counting ability. This means my poor little cupcakes were pitifully sunken.  To make up for my guffaw, I simply filled the crater with strawberry chocolate ganache, threw the chocolate glaze down the disposal, and topped the wee cakes with a swirl of buttercream. 

A little taste of heaven, right in a cupcake liner. 

But do take heed: eat more than one and your libel to slip into a sugar coma.    

Still, I think they’d be perfect on an autumn evening, accompanied by large cups of coffee or tea, and the company of friends …

The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic was in full swing.  Due to the poor state of the economy, it’s been five years since hot air balloons graced our skies—and we were more than happy for their return.

We made our way to the park early Saturday morning, joining countless others bumbling about in the dark, rubbing eyes, yawning … kids were wrapped and bundled, adults clung desperately to vats of hot coffee.

As the sun began to peek above the foothills, we came alive.  People were calling loved ones to tell them their location … photos were snapped in rapid succession… and chatter and laughter filled the air.

The opening ceremonies included bagpipes, the national anthem, a flyover—and yes, I had to struggle not to cry.

Then it began …

Crews set to work and excitement sparked the air.  I dare say, there was not one face bereft of a smile.

You see, it was more than just another event.  For one brief moment there were no pressing assignments, no deadlines; there was no sickness or sorrow … no stress or troubles.  For one moment in time, the cares of this world drifted away on the envelope of a balloon …

{Breakfast by candlelight, in the summer? Whyevernot?}

I’ve taken to walking a few mornings a week.  I don’t really love it… mostly because it cuts down on my coffee time.  The only thing that gets me going is the thought of what awaits when I return home …  breakfast of scrambled eggs and fresh veggies, rosemary bread with a slice of cheese, fresh fruit … cooled glasses of milk and juice … candle light … 

At this point some of you may be wondering what’s worse–the fact that I bribe myself to exercise with food, or that I light candles in broad daylight!  

But I’m a firm believer in enjoying life’s simple pleasures. 

And that’s what I wish for you, dear readers.  We’ll be celebrating Labor Day (or Labour Day, as the case may be) in the US and Canada.  And that means a long weekend!  But be your weekend long or short, I pray you’ll get the most of each moment–savor your food, use the good china … and yes, light the candles morning, noon, and night …    

Now I realize, the mere thought of being this much closer to autumn makes some of you a tad edgy.  But I’m tellin’ ya, it’s gonna to be great.  I can feel it in the air …  

Well, I’m nothing if not accommodating.  So I set out to discover a treasure of Gotham City porportions.   

I ended up with this … 

{Batman Robird Scrabble Tile pendant from Backbone Studio2's Etsy store}

No, no it’s not Batman.  Yet again, I come up short.  BUT IT IS BATMAN ROBIRD PEOPLE!  I’ve got to get some credit for that … I mean really!

{top secret ice cream in the making}

But, alas, the call to enjoy the company of friends won out.  Again. 

Included in the frivolity was a trip to Sub Zero for a little dessert before lunch.  For those of you who have never experienced such, it goes something like this: you choose your size, the type of cream, flavors, and a mix-in; they add a little cryogenic solution, mix and voila–ICE CREAM!

The possibilities were mind-boggling.  Seriously.  It took me FOREVER to decide, only to settle on the ol’ standby:  fudge chocolate and peanut butter, with peanut butter cup.  Oh, and premium cream, naturally.  

Therein lies the key: go for the fat, my friends, go for the fat. 

My concoction was simply divine.  DIVINE I tell you.  I may have shed a tear …

Needless to say, I hope this Monday finds you emerging from a similarly splendid weekend; may the sweet goodness carry us through to week of productivity!

You realize, don’t you, we’re heading into the last weekend of August.  Fall is but steps away …

With that,  may this weekend find you wringing out every last ounce of summer fun: dine al fresco … picnic … BBQ … buy an ice cream cone … run through the sprinklers … traipse through a fountain …  peruse a farmer’s market … soak in the vitamin D … play … laugh … frolic …

On the one hand, I see their point—it has become rather pricey. Much like everything else. 

And yet I’m so thankful my parents did not take that viewpoint.  Sure, it wasn’t as expensive back then.  But for our family, it wasn’t cheap.  All the same, each year we’d load up the Chevy Malibu wagon and head for the fair…

We’d eat deliciously greasy food … create splatter paint masterpieces … and visit all the barnyard animals.  My dad and I would ride at least one wild ride … waving to my mom and brother, waiting below.  When it was all said and done, we’d walk back to our car—elephant ear in hand—dusty, tired, and oh-so-happy! 

Some of my most treasured memories take place at the fair.  What a pity if I had to miss out …

{where was this handsome pups when I needed him?}

I was quite the contortionist last night–trying to get comfy without touching three touchy spots.  I had a bit of a mishap, you see.  But before I go further I’d just like you to know… IT WAS NOT MY FAULT! 

I’m watering flowers and garden spots for friends while they are away on vacation.  I had finally made it to the backyard … and managed to find the hose {a large chunk of tree fell in the storm last Saturday … knocking out most of their garden and back fence}.  Their eldest son, waiting for the assessor, came out to chat with me.  We were chuckling about the wretched luck of the neighbors, who’s backyard was filled with the fallen tree.  They had just moved in that morning.  That’s when things started looking up–but only because I was in a hole.  That’s right.  Heading for the water spout, I stepped upon the deck; I heard a crack and down I went.  ”What in the world?!”

Now I realize I’ve gained some poundage in the last few months, but C’MON!

The good news:  It was me and not one of the kids.

The bad news:  I’m a tad pathetic.  My shin is scraped and puffy on one leg.  The other is scraped, with a nice purple knot on my thigh.  It kinda looks like a galaxy of blue, purple and pink … which would be kinda cool if it didn’t hurt like the dickens {what does that even MEAN?}. 

To add insult to injury, now I’m gun-shy.  Out back you must tread upon the deck to turn on the water.  I’m trying to figure out how I could rig up some contraption–a pully system of sorts … lower myself down … back up and over … without touching one sole to wood.  Unfortunately, science has never been my strong suit. 

Of course, the thought has skittered across my mind that I could simply never return.   

Do you think they’ll notice if their entire yard is dead?