Yesterday, my husband and I took the day off of work and went to our favorite zoo in the area.  We figured since school is in session, the zoo would be much less crowded than on a weekend, and we were right, but there were still a larger number of children… Read full post »

Last night, my husband and I had a mini-date night and went to the movie theatre to see "Horrible Bosses".  We paid the HUGE entrance fee, and went to the snack bar and paid over $20 for a junior popcorn, box of milk duds, and two regular drinks, but that's not… Read full post »

For years now, I've noticed when out shopping or among people in general, there's an increasing sense of entitlement to the space that people are in at any given moment and the space they want to occupy.  Unfortunately, they seem to have forgotten general social skills and will head for that… Read full post »

Last Sunday, I was watching one of my favorite shows on TV when a news break came on and stated that Osama Bin Laden was dead, and that President Obama would be speaking on the matter shortly.  The feeling that came over me was different than what I expected it to… Read full post »

Last night, my husband and I went to my Mother-in-Law's place for a "gourmet" dinner, something she says she'd like to do once a month.  Now, being the foodie and budding pseudo-chef that I am, of course I'm in total agreement with this arrangement.  On the menu last night was Vineyard… Read full post »

I made a stunning revelation this morning.  There is a direct correlation between the food you cook and the music you're listening to while cooking...or at least there should be.

I was in my kitchen this morning, trying my hand at a Pavlova (Meringue with toasted nuts rolled with whipped cream,… Read full post »

Yesterday, my husband and I went shopping at one of our area's largest furniture stores.  This store is practically a landmark in our state, and if you have the good fortune to make a trip to the city it's located in, it's a must-do...or that's how we view it at least. … Read full post »

In our local paper yesterday, there were two articles dealing with attacks by Pit Bulls.  In one, some people got drunk and decided it would be a good idea to kidnap someone's pet goat, tie it to a tree in their yard, and torture the poor thing by letting their Pit… Read full post »

People handle stress in all different ways.  Some people eat through their feelings, usually causing additional stress and feelings of regret.  Some people are able to work through their stress and develop healthy outlets so it doesn't affect them adverseley.   I'm one of those un… Read full post »

My name is Candice, and I'm a Coffee Addict. 

There.  I've said it.  Mornings just don't seem to start the way they should if I don't have at least one cup of dark, hot, and oh-so-delicious coffee.  Of course, being a festive person, during the Christmas season I got away… Read full post »

As 2010 draws to a close, I'm reflecting on all the things I can remember from these last 12 months, good and not so good alike.  I'm happy to report that I have more good events than bad in my memory.

With the dawning of a New Year, I feel a sense… Read full post »

I send a salute to all Retail Workers who have just one more day (the fateful day AFTER Christmas) to go, then they can breathe again.  As one who has worked my share of holiday shopping seasons, which include Christmas Eves aplenty, I sympathize with you and celebrate with you all… Read full post »

Yesterday was my last day of work for the week.  I have today, tomorrow, and Monday out of the office.  This is the first year I've ever had enough vacation time at work to take a block around the final holiday of the year, which happens to be my absolute favorite. … Read full post »

As previously posted, I made my father a Sour Cream Raisin Pie for his birthday....from scratch from the crust to the meringue.

Since I had my pumpkin pie fiasco at Thanksgiving, I knew that, more than likely, my crust wouldn't work quite like I wanted it to, and this preparation saved a… Read full post »

My mother is the perfect hostess.  Always has been.  A meal at her house is truly an event on any ordinary day, and if there's a holiday involved, you can count on twice as much food, twice as much prep work, twice as many plates, bowls, glasses, etc. on the table,… Read full post »

I was raised in a Christian home.  Every Sunday was the same...wake up, get dressed up, go to early service, then stay for Sunday School, then out for brunch.  Mom and dad always expected the best behavior, and so while leaving service, I would ask to make sure I'd met, if… Read full post »

As an annual tradition, my mom and I get together and make a whole bunch of goodies for Christmas.  Since I've developed a new appreciation for cooking this year, I really wanted to try my hand at Divinity, but was apprehensive because I've heard how difficult it is.

For those unfamiliar,… Read full post »

Tonight, I went to my standing every-six-week appointment with my hairstylist.  Let me just start by saying the woman is a SAINT, and a very talented one at that.

Being the Gemini that I am, I'm about as random with my hair style, length, and sometimes color as anyone I've ever… Read full post »

As of last Friday, my fair city has a Trader Joe's.  Of course, when the announcement hit the papers that one was opening, the whole city, or so it seemed, was in a complete uproar over it.  I had never heard of Trader Joe's prior to it coming here, and everyone… Read full post »

Today is Cyber Monday.  The Monday after thanksgiving, after Black Friday, and the day when most people will spend their money shopping online for gifts.

There are some amazing things that technology grants us the power to do, including spending vast amounts of cash (well, eventually...paying th… Read full post »

 I've been collecting Nutcrackers for as long as I can remember.  It seems as though each year that passes, there's at least one more to find a spot for in my collection, which now totals over 40.  I'm a bit of a purist with my Nutcrackers, though....they all must be soldiers of… Read full post »

Yesterday, I had to go into work.  As one of the newest members of the management team, the responsibility fell to me since none of my other co-workers wanted to come in.  I'm being rewarded with quite a bit of time off around Christmas, so I really didn't mind.

As I… Read full post »

Anyone who has worked retail during the holiday shopping season will tell you that it is, most definitely, NOT the most wonderful time of the year.  Arriving on Black Friday morning to get ready to open, usually in the wee hours of the morning, then watching and trembling with fear as… Read full post »

Today, I give genuine thanks for the many blessings in my life.  I give thanks for the small-but-mighty family I have in my husband and our pets.  I give thanks for my parents who prove time and time again that their love holds no bounds.  I give thanks for my brother… Read full post »

Tomorrow, my husband and I will be joining his mother, his brother, and his sister-in-law for Thanksgiving dinner.  Somehow, I was volunteered to bring the ever-popular green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and two desserts....pumpkin pie and pumpkin ice cream pie.  I feel b… Read full post »