03.31.14

Creepy or Cool?

So around 2:30AM, we received notification that our flight was delayed by 2 hours. This was thanks to Google, so we are still unsure if it was creepy or cool. Due to the fact I was somehow connected to Chad for the trip (he hadn't shared any calendars or documents with me), I got the same Google notification on my phone. We tried to look at the positive side to this delay...first, it was on a golfing vacation and not a diving vacation! Second, we were actually notified of a change in our itinerary! On another note...we did fly Spirit Airlines for the first time and I have to say I was very pleased. The one thing you just need to remember with this airline is that everything is A la carte so watch the fine print. If you are looking for a quick trip with minimal luggage, this is the airline for you!

This is only my second time to Phoenix/Scottsdale. As we were flying in, we went by the ASU stadium and then ended up there for the at dinner for my second pic...forgot how cool it was positioned between the rock formations.

Second photo...had to commemorate Chad's first In-N-Out Burger! I had mine a couple of years ago on my BDay in Cali thanks to DENnise!! Very happy to enjoy Animal Style after a long day of travel.

03.30.14

Family Dinner
So a little while back I posted a photo of yucca root...not sure how it was supposed to be fixed...just looked interesting. Well, I can say that I have officially eaten yucca root and I loved it!! The Muggenthalers hosted family dinner tonight and everything was Cuban inspired. We enjoyed everything from shrimp to beef to pork to plantains to mangos. (And a few Cuban drinks mixed in...or course!!)

03.29.14

18 Holes!!
Made it around the full course today...so much nicer than Thursday. It's amazing how much difference having the sun makes! We are hoping for no wind tomorrow, or at least mild winds. Played with a wonderful couple and ate some yummy burgers!

03.28.14

Relaxing Evening
We had a busy day of cleaning around the Jensen household. Between the two of us: all of the floors were done, baseboards cleaned, dusting done, front of the kitchen cabinets cleaned, fridge cleaned, dishes and counter tops done, and laundry done. So it was an evening for resting under my favorite quilt!










It also took almost the entire evening to get my timelapse uploaded from yesterday. I did put the video in yesterday's post as well, but I wanted to add it here as well.

03.27.14

First Day Out
Well, we didn't make it a full 18, but we got the front 9 in at Bear Dance today. I wimped out with the wind...made it too cold. Figured since we would be out there Saturday and Sunday, no reason to suffer. Had fun, most holes - the sun just needed to stay out. Looking forward to a great summer!












Follow up to yesterday's post - my first timelapse is now complete!! It won't be winning any awards, but it was fun! I think I bumped the camera during my final set-up and unfortunately got some of the window frame in the shot. Now I just need a good thunderstorm! So...having some difficulty uploading right now. Will keep working on it...

03.26.14

Timelapse Photography
So Chad came across this great company on Kickstarter and ordered me a Michron. This is a device that connects to my camera to enable it to take time-lapses. It is programmed by either my phone or iPad. I can't wait to give it a try!! I will post the results here!

03.25.14

BEFORE

A Little Cleaning & Relaxation
I decided to tackle the pantry today...prior to my FABULOUS Kakoa Body Mask/Massage with Mischa!

I didn't find any sort of "science experiment" items and it looks so much better! Now what to tackle tomorrow?

AFTER

03.24.14

Today
It was cold this morning and I didn't think anyone would be out on the course...until I heard the noise. It wasn't loud, but surprising. The two old guys, yes they were old and had a handicap flag, hit us and probably didn't even know it. (I should have gotten the pic of them below in the scrub oak.)

Also tried a new and "interesting" drink tonight...The Retox. Not sure that I could have more than one, but it was good. http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/retox

03.23.14

Sunny Again
It's amazing how much difference 24 hours makes...especially in the spring! Got to love living in Colorado!

03.22.14

No Plans to Plans
The first official day of spring break started out as a cold, snowy day...nothing exciting, as with most of the day. We probably ended up with about 2 inches.
















Got a call for an impromptu family dinner with pizza on the grill and we couldn't say no! 

We also got to help with the set-up of Ryan's new "big boy bed" and wall art. Grandpa built the bed and it turned out great! I'm anxious to hear how the first night went. Dusty Crop Hopper will be watching over him.

03.21.14

It's Official!
As of 4:00 this afternoon, Spring Break 2014 officially began...WOOHOO!!!!

Vodka with lime, flip flops and the first FULL day of spring, what was a girl to do??? 

03.20.14

It Has Arrived!
No, I'm not talking about March Madness...I'm talking about SPRING!! As for the tournament, I know there are some of you out there tonight very sad over your broken bracket...Sorry! :(

Had to go with two pics today...

I was hopeful to have a cute mini-daffodil pic, but they didn't quite make it. I had to go with a tulip that is on its way up.

After working out, I had to make a toast to spring!

CSE is "Happy" Video

I had to share the "Happy" video that our staff did. The Specials team (at 0:24) hanging at the beach is my favorite!! Hmmm....I wonder who picked the background!?! ;)

03.19.14

Choices
After a very frustrating day, I just wanted to come home and pour myself a favorite...vodka with lime. I decided to make the better choice and "run out" my frustrations. Spring Break can not get here soon enough!!!!

Will be making a second post in just a minute!

03.18.14

Pulled-Pork Tacos
Finally got the lunch leftovers eaten and on to something new! I have the salsa verde, pepper, onion, and spice mix ready to put in the crockpot with the pork in the morning. First time with this recipe, so I'm anxious to see how it turns out!

03.17.14

Happy St. Patty's Day!
I had to make sure I enjoyed a green beverage tonight. But I'm thinking that I must not have done a good enough job of channeling my "Inner-Irish" to enjoy this "Irish" cocktail. The recipe was for 1 oz Whiskey and 1 oz Creme de Menthe. Should have gone with my tried and true...and then just added green food coloring. ;)

As I stated on Instagram...some things on Pinterest should stay on Pinterest.

Pretzel Bites

Pretzel Bites
Decided to make some treats for the class I'm teaching tomorrow night. It won't take the place of green beer, but hopefully they will appreciate them. 

Easy to make treats and they can be done for any holiday.













Here's what you need:

• Square pretzels (I used Snyder's of Hanover.)
• Chocolate candy melts (Wilton is the brand I use.)
• M&Ms (For this particular batch I used mint due to the fact they were three different shades of green.)

Here's what you do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the pretzels on the sheet.

4. Place one candy melt on each pretzel.

5. Place baking sheet in the oven for about 2 minutes. You will want to keep a close eye on the chocolates. You only want to get them melted enough so that the M&M can be pushed into the melted disc.

6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and lightly press one M&M into each disc. You will want to move quickly.

7. Let the bites cool. This should take about an hour, depending on the type of chocolate you've used. If you are in a hurry, you can place them in the fridge for a little while.

Other options:

1. I had pretzels and discs left over, but no M&Ms. So I replaced the M&M with a whole pecan.
2. Use Rolos or Hershey Kisses in place of the candy melts. You can still top them with either M&Ms or pecans.

03.16.14

Baking & Golfing
After getting my groceries this morning, I got to work on my St. Patrick's Day treats. I have an 8AM meeting tomorrow for which I made pistachio bread and green fruit kabobs.

I am teaching a class tomorrow after school, so for this one I made pretzel bites.











Finally, I had to make something for my other peeps. Since I only remembered the Mint Oreos and almond bark, but not the cream cheese, I had to make dipped Oreos instead of my truffles. They are still yummy!

Later in the afternoon we got the 2014 golf season officially underway. We headed over to the Red Hawk range and hit some balls. It actually went really well...hope to make it out a few more times before heading to Arizona.

03.15.14

"Eventful" Saturday
Due to the fact I'm still holding on to a cold, my nights have been filled with tossing, turning, and some crazy golf dreams. I unfortunately was unable to take advantage of a non-alarm morning. (I also couldn't decide on which photo to post...so I've shared them all.)

Up early, I decided to check out the local "re-opened" bakery and local coffee shop. Donuts looked great at the shop...not as impressive when I got them home. :(
I will say the coconut theme must imply that I'm in need of a beach & bubbles vacation...I miss my sharks!!



On my way home I finally saw the first bluebird in the neighborhood. Crappy picture, but good sign. (Yes...there is a male bluebird in the top of the tree.)

















Despite the cold, windy morning I figured it was about time to get my flower & veggie pots cleaned up from last summer. I am definitely looking forward to planting time.

We had some visitors this afternoon...crashing for a few hours, anxiously awaiting an offer on their house. As the day came to a close I had to decide which night cap to go with. Today I had to stick with my vodka. :)

03.14.14

Yummy Bacon
After a long, crappy week I decided to treat myself to a little bacon on Friday. (I usually save it for Saturday or Sunday since I cook it in the oven.) Obviously you can tell I'm not Catholic. ;)

03.13.14

Caught the "Recent" Crud
Welcome to an elementary school...started getting sick on Tuesday night. Nothing too bad yet...hopefully keeping it from turning into a sinus or ear infection. Popping the Cold-Eeze and Vitamin C! Not the way I wanted to end my very long week. :(











Decided to post a second photo...

First Throwback Thursday
I had to join everyone on Facebook tonight and post my first #TBT photo. It's one of my younger sisters and I standing in the wheat field.

03.12.14

Just Because
I've gotten on this "Cutie" kick lately...yummy little things. I had never noticed any stickers until today. Like I captioned on Instagram: "Thought it was #cutie!"

03.11.14

Kids Draw the Darndest Things
Today was a tough day...but it ended with a fun tour of some drawings around the school. You've got to LOVE elementary students...and the CRAZY adults who teach them!! 

03.10.14

Getting Ready for the Desert
Spring Break is almost here....WOOHOO!! Very excited to be headed to the desert for some golf!!!

(I actually took this photo when we visited Chad's family in AZ for Thanksgiving several years ago.)

03.09.14

Sunday Breakfast

Made some yummy Black Forest Crepes for breakfast this morning. (And yes...these came from my healthy recipe book!)

Sunday Dinner
That's what I get for posting so early in the day! I had to add a dinner photo and recap my Instagram comment. Most recent life-lesson...#Sriracha goes on anything! Today it was an open-faced tuna sandwich. Baked Cheetos also kick ass! :)

03.08.14

Snow
The great thing about March snow...it melts fast!! It looked so perfect out back this AM. I managed to see it prior to any tracks, but the photo was after I slept a little longer. :)

03.07.14

Yes, It's Still Winter

It was 60 degrees yesterday and today's storm wasn't supposed to roll in until 5:00. Since the Audi had a "misfire on cylinder 5" earlier in the week, I was chauffeured to school and it was a good thing...the storm rolled in early and the Lexis wouldn't have made it far. Today's first pic was looking out the door waiting for my ride home.

The second pic is at Bubbles...we went to the monthly wine tasting class. Tonight's theme was Sicilian food and wines. We came home with three out of the four bottles we tasted, along with some good menu ideas for future family dinners.

03.06.14

CSE Getting Their Art On!
We spent a few hours at the local Arts On Fire studio here in Castle Rock painting some fabulous pottery. It was a lot of fun spending time with everyone and seeing their creative, and sometimes frustrated, side coming out! ;)

03.05.14

Hmmmm....
I have eaten some interesting things over the years: frog legs, meal worms, Rocky Mountain Oysters, dirt (as a kid), but I couldn't bring myself to eat what everyone was calling the "good half" of this Cutie today at lunch. Not sure what was up with it...there were no marks, holes, or weird "places" on it.











The snow was beautiful this morning!! So I decided to add a couple of the Canon pics before going to work...hummingbird feeder and blue bird box...both waiting for spring arrivals!!