k.i.t. dodgers

Its hard to believe another season is over. And I know you may laugh, or think I am exaggerating. But I am not. The Dodgers play a major role in our home from about April to mid-October (hopefully). If you know my husband, then you know this is true.

And although the Dodgers have brought us many memorable moments, tonight we are sad. Sad we aren't bringing the series back to LA, so we can see another game. Sad it ended this way. Sad we wont spend any more evening on our patio listening to Vin. Sad we cant go all the way.

But this is life. It builds character, right?

Enough moping! Here is a pic of a definite highlight of our 2009 Dodger season.



Til 2010, keep in touch Dodgers

apple spice cookie bars

Despite the 80 degree days we've been having, I have been trying to add some fall spirit into our home. Making soups and chilis, lighting autumn scented candles, adding some fall decor. Hey, if its not going to be fall outside, I am going to make it fall inside. One way to add some fall spice?
Make these.
They are easy, moist, yummy, and make your kitchen smell great.

Apple Spice Cookie Bars
2 c. plus 2 T. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmug
1/8 tsp allspice (I was out of nutmug and allspice, so I used pumpkin pie spice)
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 T. vanilla extract
2 apples diced (about 2 cups)
cinnamon sugar for sprinkling



- Preheat oven to 350 and line 9x13 pan with foil and baking spray
- Combine flour, baking powder,salt, and spices. Whisk to combine well



- Using a mixer, combine sugars and melted butter. Beat until light and fluffy
- Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.
- Turn mixer on slow and add dry ingredients slowly, until just combined
- Fold in apples
- Spread mixture evenly into prepared pan and sprinkle top with cinnamon sugar
- Bake until cooked through, when top is slightly browned and bounces back to touch (about 30 min)
- Let cool completely before cutting (bars will be soft).



Enjoy!

raising funds

Having been out of the elementary school world for, oh, about 15 years, I am a little out of touch with the whole school fundraising world. And to be honest, I hated having to do fundraisers. I never sold enough carmel covered pretzels or Christmas wrapping paper to earn anything good. I usually ended up taking the catalog to my Dad's business and letting the 4 employees have their pick. Like I said, never enough for anything cool.

Not like Jill. She was lucky enough to earn this beauty one year...


My name was never called in the special assembly. Never asked to go on stage and receive my super cool prize for being a top seller. But thats ok. I have moved on.

In the wisdom I have gained since my years of mediocre at best fundraising attempts, I can confidently say that fundraising has greatly improved since then. I work with many people with elementary school age kids. Who seem to be very involved in raising funds. And never have I seen a gaudy magazine toting canisters of peanut brittle and chocolate covered cherries. The fundraising gurus have really stepped up their game. In the past two years I have purchased high quality candles, fresh wreaths and garland, and most recently, this resuable bag.





Not only is this bag roomy and very multi-purpose, but it comes in so many cute patterns. My only regret is not ordering more. I thought I would share it with all of you, just in case this fundraiser comes across your desk. If it does, order a few bags. If the major improvement of goods offered is any indication, I can only imagine the cool prizes up for grabs these days.

Go Blue!

Last Thursday we traveled down to Chavez Ravine to see the Dodgers in the NLDS. Playoff games are the best. The energy, the crowds, the rally towels. I love it all.



And in case you haven't heard, the game was AMAZING. It all came down to 2 outs in the 9th inning. And we pulled off the win. The crowd just erupted. We spent an hour getting out of the parking lot, just cheering and giving high fives to other Dodger fans. Blasting "I love LA" from our car. It was pretty much the best ever.





As I type this, the Dodgers are about to clinch the series. Its a goooood weekend in my house.

twelve dollars

This is what I bought for twelve dollars at my church's garage sale fundraiser....

I love finding mirrors for a good price. I am planning on painting the frames white and hanging them as a collection. Maybe in my guest room



An old pink Samsonite. This was just too cute to resist. Katie had the great idea of using it for craft supplies.



Now, I am not exactly sure the original purpose for this cart. But it doesnt matter. I love it! Its on casters and the yellow adds such a cheery color to our patio. I am planning on using it for potted plants or to serve drinks/food.