The Toy Aisle

It's been a while since I perused the toy aisles of stores, and today I got to do just that. I set out looking for a few extra gifts for a friend's child's birthday. I know what she likes so I decided to go to the store and see what caught my eye.

I don't remember such an array of toys, especially complicate toys, when I was little. I remember the many varieties of similar toys in many colors, but toys today seem so much different! I loved dollhouses when I was little and you know what, they don't even sell dollhouses in most stores now... you have to order special ones online or you have to go to a darn hobby and model store! I did find some cute stuff, but I am now overwhelmed with the possibilities and am glad I don't have children of my own yet.

You know what most places still carry? Puzzles. So I bought myself a puzzle and am now content.

Livestrong Challenge 2008

I am running in the 5K. This supports the Lance Armstrong Foundation, who in turn supports cancer research, survivors, etc. I encourage everyone to get involved and run with me! You don't even have to be a runner, you can walk it, too! There are also a few bike races, but I don't cycle... but if you do then sign up for a bike race!

If you want to do this with me (and I hope someone else does!), then let me know! The date for this is June 29th, but there are all kinds of fun events going on throughout that whole weekend.

It's only a 5K (3.1 miles), and it is helping raise awareness and support for cancer. Did I mention it's almost swimsuit season?

Get Smart

I'm so glad they are making a movie out of this awesome old television show! This was one of my favorites when I was little. They had reruns of it on Nick at Nite, before it was lame. I wanted to grow up and be Agent 99. Who wants to go see it with me next month?

Speaking of Nick at Nite, they are now showing programs that I grew up watching on prime-time television, which is just another reason I feel old. This is not fair. What happened to Green Acres, Petticoat Junction and Mary Tyler Moore as late night television fare?

Time Travel Tuesday

This is my sister and I dressed up for Easter when I was in kindergarten. And what are we eating? Marshmallow Peeps, of course!

Things You May Not Know

While talking to a good friend this weekend, I realized that there are some things I don't really share with people... that aren't that big of a deal, but for some reason are my little secrets.  I don't mean to keep them secrets, but somehow that's how it has worked out.

Secret #1:  I really like 311.  I don't know why, I just randomly got a cd of theirs in middle school and now that is my "go to" music when I'm bored and need to just chill.  It's not like I don't admit that I listen to them, but I have never put them on a list of music I love... or when people ask what music I like to listen to, they just aren't a part of it.  I don't think anyone would ever peg me as a "311" type person anyhow. 

Secret #2:  I don't like it when people touch my feet unless I know them really well.  It just weirds me out... but luckily most people don't find this out- because really, who goes around touching feet?  Even when I get a massage, I just tell them to not worry about my feet.

Secret #3:  I love America's Next Top Model.  I don't make a point to watch the new episodes the night they come out, but on the weekends I can't turn off the ANTM blocks on tv.  I will watch almost a full season in one day.  I don't even like most reality tv shows, but I LOVE ANTM.  

So now you know... and maybe I'll share more later.

Food = Fun

I've always had a fascination with kitchen gadgets, cooking utensils, bakewear, and dishes in general. Really, if it goes in the kitchen/dining room, I like it. If you have ever met my mother or been to my house, you know where this comes from (I have also inherited the "be prepared for everything and have it in your purse" gene from her). I love to cook, bake and grill... and recently I found candy and confection making to be truly captivating and entertaining. Whilst investigating what cool gadgets were made for this wonderful craft, I found a coulple websites that specialize in supplies, molds, etc. If you are a foodie who likes to be very involved in the creation of yummy dishes and treats, you must check out these cool sites!

1. www.kitchenkneads.com- this is where I found candy molds of LDS temples... so if you are getting married soon, I can make you candy with the temple you are going to on it! I was blown away and ordered some and have already started creating!
2. www.anoccasionalchocolate.com- she has great beginners tips and suggestions about what chocolates and fillings to use!
3. www.mormonchic.com- where they have all sorts of yummy recipes and tips to try, plus general cool stuff to look at and read about.

So go try it! Or come over and make candy with me. You may find me bringing candy to you because I can't keep it all or I eat it all.

Time-Travel Tuesday

I found this and laughed because I definitely remember my mom taking this picture of me and my friend Brooke. I also remember that ballet was not so challenging when I was small, and was very much about the leotards when we were that young. In class the other day I remembered stretching as a class when I was this small and not really knowing why we did it, but we got to lay on the floor to do it so it was fun. We also made sure to exercise our feet with what our teacher only referred to as "Stretch, Middle, Point"... which, of course, is the direction our feet were supposed to move over and over again as we sat stick straight on the floor with our tiny little legs outstretched in front of us. I can't get over how small we were!