Dear Big Boy,

Was this really necessary kid? What goes through that bean of yours when you do stuff like this? We need to have a talk because I'm just about out of patience. You have everything you could ever dream of and yet I truly believe you wake up in the morning and just think of ways to push my buttons. Does someone have you on payroll?

I guess if Trix are for kids than Xanax is for moms. Ugh!

Help a Friend Out....

Someone I know is trying to win a Wii for her kids for Christmas and we all know what it's like to be in a financial crunch so, be a pal and vote for Chelsie Butts!

Must Try Almond Biscotti

Almond Biscotti
1 1/2 cups whole, skin on almonds or chopped almonds
2 1/2 cups unbleached flour (plus more for shaping)
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
3 eggs
3 egg yolks
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. pure almond extract

Heat oven to 350 F. Toast the almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer until they are fragrant (about 10 minutes). Leave the oven on.
Use your mixer (hook attachment) or large bowl with hand mixer combine all the dry ingredients(except the almonds) and mix on low speed. In another bowl lightly beat together the wet ingredients and once mixed slowly pour into the flour mixture. When the mixture is almost completely incorporated add the almonds and mix at low speed until the dough comes together. DO NOT OVER MIX! The dough should be stiff and sticky.
Dump the dough on a lightly floured surface and need any of the remaining dry ingredients from the mixing bowl in by hand. Separate the dough into three equal pieces. With floured hands, roll each piece into a log about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Arrange the three logs on parchment lined baking sheets 4 inches apart. I have discovered those baking mats that fit into my baking sheets and I love them! Nothing ever burns anymore.

Bake the logs until they are light brown but still soft. I usually do it for about 35-40 minutes. You will have to judge depending on your oven. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and reduce the temperature to 300F. Let the logs cool on the baking sheet for about ten minutes and then move them to a cutting board and slice in a slight angle to your desired thickness. I usually do a little over a half an inch. Place the biscotti CUT SIDE DOWN back on the baking sheet and dry them in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes but don't let them darken. Put them on a rack and let them cool. You can also add chocolate chips to the recipe or if you like your biscotti to have a Sambuca flavor, you can add 1 tsp aniseed in place of the almond extract.

This is a really super easy recipe. Enjoy!

It Was Only A Matter Of Time

Before I had to call Poison Control. I'm impressed we made it three years. Big Boy decided to help himself to a few Tums in my purse. Sheesh, I can't even use the bathroom without some kind of disaster happening. Luckily, a few Tums aren't considered dangerous to a three year old.
Anyway, here is the number in case any of you Jersey folk find yourself needing it (which I hope you never do). 1-800-222-1222.

Random Beauty

A friend of mine asked me if I could take some pictures of where she grew up. The town is only about ten minutes up the road from me and the pictures really are beautiful. Sometimes, it's easy to forget that places like this still exist. The world is so crazy now (and getting crazier by the day) that you need to stop and really enjoy the details.

This time of year really brings out the typical "sleepy beach town" feeling to the area. The beach is dotted with fishermen hoping to catch the big one and since there is always a brisk wind, it's perfect kite flying weather.

Hubby likes to talk about moving but I don't think he could do it. I really don't think there is anywhere else I would want to raise Big Boy. Hopefully, our property taxes won't push us out of here and all major storms decide to turn out into the ocean.

This will always be my favorite time of year. Everything seems so calm after a hectic summer. I hope Big Boy will appreciate the beauty in all this one day.