A Very Sad AnnouncementI

I think it's safe to say I have been neglecting this blog. During the summer, I worked approximately 10 days on, then one day off. It was hectic. Then I went to California and Disneyland. Then I went back to Disneyland for a day and then it was off to Florida and Disneyworld for a week.

And now I have a big announcement.

The beginning of the year, so in about 5 weeks, I'm moving back to SoCal.  I'll be living with some of my best friends. I'm not working for Disney this time though.

I'm going to be working for myself.

I'm officially starting TrendyTurtles Spandex company.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrendyTurtles


I've wanted this for a long time. And I'm finally going for it. I don't expect it to be easy, but I do expect it to be a crazy experience.

So this blog probably won't be updated anymore. I'll leave it up for a while though, in case you ever need a laugh. Or in case I ever need a reminder that for about 8 months, I celebrated something every single day. That's quite a feat. And I'm so glad I did it.

And if you need to find me, you can contact me through my Etsy store. Or you can look for me in Disneyland, or on one of those beautiful Southern California beaches.

2016 is going to be one heck of a year. And I couldn't be more excited.

I'll Be Back Soon

This blog has sadly been neglected. Life got super busy. But I promise, I will catch up. I look forward to getting back in the hang of blogging. Please don't go away. I'll be back with new recipes and new funny stories :D

Thank you.

August 22: National Toothfairy Day

The Toothfairy no longer visits my house as I lost my last tooth, oh approximately, 12 years ago. But I do have a pretty good Toothfairy story.

When I was about 9 or 10, I had just finished brushing and flossing my teeth. I stretched over the toilet to throw my dental floss into the garbage can and SPLASH, my loose tooth fell into the toilet.

There was no way I was going to reach into the toilet and pull out my tooth. My parents didn't want to reach into that germ-bowl either. But I was adamant that I get my money from the Toothfairy.

So my parents helped me craft a note to the Toothfairy explaining the rather odd situation.

And what do you know, my little note worked.

I woke up the next morning to find myself a dollar richer.

So if you ever find yourself with a missing tooth, a little note to the Toothfairy might just work. 

August 15: National Relaxation Day

Today, you are supposed to rest and relax.

Considering that today is work day 3 out of 10 consecutive days in a row, I didn't really get to relax.

That's okay though. I'll be in Disneyland soon, and even though I wouldn't best describe Disneyland as relaxing, it's fun. Fun and relaxing can often be the same things.

I'm going to make a list of how I like to relax.
- lay in the sun at the beach (ideal in a tropical location)
- have a good and strong alcoholic drink
- read a book
- knit
- put together a puzzle
- eat some chocolate
- bake something yummy (like a cake, or cupcakes, or some cinnamon rolls)
- watch a good movie (like a Batman movie)

And it's always a great idea to relax with a cute kitty :D

What are your favorite ways to relax?

August 12: National Vinyl Record Day

I'm just gonna be honest with ya'all. I had to ask my mom if that old thing we had upstairs was a vinyl record player. It is.

Vinyl records are not from my days. I mean, growing up I did watch VHS and listen to cassette tapes. But I am not as old as vinyl records. (Thank goodness!)

However, I think it's pretty cool that my parents still have a record player, and that they kept a lot of their old records.

And they have A LOT of records.

Although some of my dad's favorites are framed and are used as wall decorations in our game room.

So here's a throw back (a way way way throw back) to the good old days!

August 10: National S'mores Day

It's s'more fun with you!

But in all seriousness, s'mores are great. Lately, I have seen a lot of really good s'mores recipes online.

I decided to celebrate this day, a little non-conventionally.

I went to my local frozen yogurt place, got graham cracker flavored frozen yogurt, and got chocolate frozen yogurt, and drizzled marshmallow cream on top. WABAM! A non-conventional s'more!

Doesn't that look good?

This was the s'mores cake I made for my mom's birthday back in June. A chocolate cake layered with marshmallow creme and toasted graham crackers, and topped off with a chocolate ganache and more toasted graham cracker.

It looked gloopy well, because it was gloopy. But also sweet and rich and very moist.

I miss this cake. I'll have to make it again.

Happy National S'mores Day!

August 9: National Book Lovers Day

I love to read.

But it seems that lately, I never have the time.

I have several books that are anxiously awaiting to be read.

I guess I'll have to get to them in the Fall.

There really isn't much that beats curling up in several blankets with a good book while it's rainy outside. I'm looking forward to it actually.

Here are some of my favorite books:

- Harry Potter series
- Water for Elephants
- Catch 22
- The Help

As a child I was obsessed with Laura Ingalls', "Little House on the Prairie" books. Like totally obsessed. I was obsessed with pioneers in general. I had several pioneer dresses and bonnets. I was quite the sight I am sure.

Currently on My To Read List:
- Go Set A Watchman
- All the Light We Cannot See
- Gone Girl

What are some of your favorite books?

August 8: National Happiness Happens Day

National Happiness Happens day is to celebrate being happy. Pretty easy if you ask me.

It was started by "The Secret Society of Happy People." They have two mottoes, "Happiness Happens" and "Don't Even Think About Raining on my Parade."

I recently bought an inspirational hanging thing that says, "When it rains, look for rainbows, when it's dark, look for stars." What a great inspirational saying. That makes me happy.

Donuts make me happy. And really good coffee.

And laughing so hard you can't breathe.

And the fact that I am going to Disneyland in 2.5 weeks makes me really happy. I really miss Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. I miss going on Tower of Terror and eating really good ice cream sundaes. So the anticipation of all these happy events happening, make me happy.

And I get to see my really good friends!

Like this girl!

P.S. - Baymax makes me happy.

The fact that I have a college degree, a place to live, food in my stomach, and a job make me happy.

I operate my own online business through Etsy. That makes me jubilant.

And fabric. Fabric brings a huge smile to my face. I love sewing. I love making pillowcases. I love picking out fabric. It's an addiction. And it's an obsession. But that's okay, it could be much worse. I joked the other day that my future children are going to have a ton of pillowcases, because I love making flannel pillowcases.

So dear future children, I'm sorry if you have a huge variety of pillowcases, but very little else.

What makes you happy?

August 6: National Rootbeer Float Day

My senior year of college I was addicted to rootbeer floats. I made them like all the time.

Now there is a very important thing we have to keep straight.

You can't use vanilla bean ice cream.

You should aim for french vanilla or classic vanilla.

In all my rootbeer float experience, I have discovered that classic vanilla or french vanilla is the best type to use for rootbeer floats.

I'm not sure why. It just is.

I don't have a specific type of rootbeer that I like to use, but the kind that comes in glass bottles always looks the fanciest and therefore you should aim to use that kind also.

YUMMMMM! Refreshing and crisp.

August 5: National Underwear Day

I live for underwear.

Okay. Well not quite. I also live for a lot of other reasons.

But I do love my underwear.

Now I'm not going to post pictures of my underwear. (Although, you would probably be pretty impressed with my collection.)

And obviously I am NOT going to post pictures of me in my underwear.

So I will just tell you about some of them.

I own A LOT of underwear.

The only person I know who owns more underwear than me is my friend Allison.

We have a lot of matching pairs.

We had another roommate in college who estimated that she owned 7 pairs of underwear. That is only one per a day of the week. I don't know why this was an estimation because she easily could have counted them. Also, she didn't do laundry that often. I tried not to think about that.

Anyways, my underwear collection...

I own underwear that are bright purple with a variety of wild cats on them. Think jaguars and tigers.

I own underwear with zebras on them.

I own underwear that are designed to look like a pair of denim shorts. Note: They are not actually denim.

I own Batman underwear and Mickey Mouse underwear.

I own a pair of underwear that I have deemed to be my lucky lobsters. They have lobsters on them. I used to wear them when I had a big test in college.

Anyways, I hope you wore your favorite pair of underwear today!

It should be noted that I 100% completely believe that the underwear you wear can affect the outcome of your day. That's why it is always important to make sure you have the right pair on for that day.

Happy underwear wearing!

August 4: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Nothing much beats a warm, semi-melted, chocolate chip cookie on a Fall evening. Or on a Summer night. Or in the middle of the day in Spring. Or even in the morning in Winter. What I'm trying to say is, that chocolate chip cookies are pretty much the best, well, always.

There's so many recipes. How do you even choose one to start with.

Well, this one is a classic recipe, and I have yet to be disappointed.

JazzyJ's Easy Peasy Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (at minimum, you can always add more!)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Beat butter, both sugars, and vanilla until nice and creamy. Add in eggs and beat well.
3. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add in the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stir well. Gently stir in chocolate chips.
4. Drop dough by the teaspoon onto a greased pan and cook for 8 - 10 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

Simple and sweet. And chocolatey.

Now I have to admit something. I forgot to take photos while I was making these. And then I realized all the cookies were practically gone. This was the last little cookie left.


That's a sign they were great.

So please excuse my lack of photos.

I was too busy enjoying these little chocolate guys. :D

August 3: National Watermelon Day

Watermelon is a great summer fruit because it's so refreshing.

I happen to have a watermelon skirt that I sewed myself. I'm pretty proud of myself.

We got the cutest watermelons from the grocery store. They were so juicy and sweet.

Now, what is that sitting on top of the watermelon which is on top of my skirt?

Well that is a great question.

It is an elastic hair tie/bracelet. They are the new thing.

I happen to be selling them on my Etsy store.

I have a lot of varities. But those watermelon ones sure are cute.

Watermelon-y and summer-y.

Just the way I like it.

One of my friends from college really likes watermelon. Like she is borderline obsessed with it. I made her a watermelon cake for her birthday two years ago.

I thought it turned out rather cute.

Happy National Watermelon Day!

August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

It's no secret I love ice cream. But ice cream that is between two cookies and then rolled in chocolate chips? Well, that's even better.

There is an ice cream shop in Monterrey, California that allows you to pick out two different types of cookies, and then pick the ice cream flavor that will then be slathered between your cookie choices. That is one of my happy places. I had some really good photos, but they were on my old phone.

But let me tell you, one day, I want to own a place like that.

Anyways, I wasn't able to be super fancy and make my own ice cream and cookies and assemble an ice cream sandwich myself.

This ice cream sandwich, was bought from a grocery store. But it was still really good.

August 1: National Girlfriends Day

Today is to honor hanging out with your friends, who are girls (girlfriends.)

I have some pretty awesome friends.

These are some of my buddies from the Disney College Program. These people, they are just great. Our favorite thing to do was to go to Disneyland together. Go figure.

Going to the beach is always fun. Even if it is March and pretty much still winter on the Oregon coast. This picture just makes me laugh. A lot. You can't really tell, but that is the beach behind us. And I just look confused. Typical.

And having drinks. Because having drinks with your friends, well, pretty much nothing beats that.

What are your favorite things to do with your friends/girlfriends?

July 31: National Mutt Day

While I don't think "mutt" is a very nice word, it refers to any mixed breed dogs.

My favorite "mutt" is Roxy. I don't actually have a dog. But Roxy is as close to a dog as I have. I get to take care of her a lot and I think she likes me. She is believed to be an Australian Shepherd mix. She has a lot of attitude and is a little bit sassy. She is also super sweet and absolutely adorable. That's the way I like my dogs.

She likes to hike around Suttle Lake with my mom and I. Notice how my mom is holding Roxy's face. That's because she was displaying a little bit of her attitude and refusing to look at the camera.

The above photo is one of my all time favorites. We were on our way to the lake and obviously we were practicing our selfies. Note: I was not driving at this time. I was stopped at the gas station. Never take selfies while driving. That's dangerous.

So next time you decide to get a dog, consider adopting a so called "mutt" from your local Human Society. These dogs need homes. And maybe, you will just get lucky enough to get a Roxy.

July 30: National Cheesecake Day

I've been making (and eating) a lot of desserts lately. So in honor of today, National Cheesecake Day, I'm directing you to a previous post where I made blueberry cheesecake.

I was so tempted to make a new type of cheesecake to celebrate today, but I'm super busy because of my summer work schedule, I've been sick, and too many desserts.

Here's a tempting picture of this fabulous cheesecake though.

To see the recipe and the original post, Click Here.

July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day

Milk chocolate is my favorite type of chocolate. And since I am a big chocolate lover, I knew today was going to be fun.

I had a little help celebrating today.

Did you know that moose absolutely LOVE milk chocolate?
Well they do. (I think it has to do with the alliteration, Moose and Milk).

Now you might be able to see the big Hershey's bar sitting on Christopher Henry's snout. But can you see the other hidden candies?

Christopher Henry is also hiding a milk chocolate in each of his nostrils and there is one sitting on top of his head. I don't think he thought I would notice.

Thanks for helping me celebrate National Milk Chocolate Day, Christopher Henry!

Have you been following the story about the Milwaukee Lion? There has apparently been a large cat seen on the loose in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They actually think it is a young, male African lion that probably either escaped or was released as an exotic pet. It's been almost two weeks since the first sighting, and they still haven't captured it. Click here, to go to the funny Facebook page people made for the lion.

I personally think African Lions like chocolate.

Shout out to my mom's friend Cindy, who lives in Milwaukee! You better not eat too much milk chocolate Cindy, or the Milwaukee lion may find you!

July 27: National Creme Brulee Day

I have never made Creme Brulee before. Heck, I'm not even sure I have had it before.

But it sounds fancy. So you know it must be good.

I decided I should buy some ramikins, so I ordered a whole creme brulee kit.

Isn't it cute?

JazzyJ's Creme Brulee:

Ingredients:
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 cups heaving whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- boiling water
- 8 teaspoons sugar

Broiling in the oven!

Directions:
1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place four 6 ounce ramikins in either a ramikin pan (like I have pictured above) or a 13 x 9 inch pan.
2. Lightly beat the egg yolks with a whisk. In a separate bowl, mix together the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until well mixed. Add in the egg yolks and mix until completely combined.
3. Pour mixture evenly into the ramikins. Add boiling water around the ramikins so the water is about 2/3 of the way up the ramikins. Bake in the oven 30 to 40 minutes or until the sides are set, the middle is slightly jiggly, and the top is lightly browned.
4. Transfer ramikins to a cooling rack and cool until room temperature, about 2 hours. Lightly cover with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator until completely cooled, preferably over night.
5. Remove from fridge, uncover ramikins and blot any extra moisture from the top. Sprinkle two teaspoon sugar on top of each creme brulee. Either broil in the oven for about 2 minutes, or use a torch and heat the top. The sugar should melt and crystallize on top.

An important note: I was anxious and only let them sit in the fridge for about two hours, as a result of my haste, the middle was not set at all and was very runny. Back in the fridge they went. The next day however, they were perfectly set and well worth the wait. 

For best results, eat immediately!

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

Straight out of the oven, before broiling the sugar on top.

Right after the broiling. See how the tops are crystallized?

MY BABY!

Every time I went to eat my creme brulee, I told my self since it was rich, I would only eat half and save the rest for later. That never happened. I ate the whole thing every single time. They were to die for.

My mom described them as,  "heavenly creamy, delectably delicious, and bursting with flavor."

I felt very fancy eating this. And now I can say I have both made, and eaten, creme brulee. You bet my creme brulee ramikins will be getting good use!

July 26: National Bagelfest Day

Happy National Bagelfest Day!

I'm not quite sure how this day differs from National Bagel Day. Click on the link to read about my adventures making bagels way back in February.

This time, I decided not to home make bagels. I just popped one out of the freezer, defrosted it a little bit, put it in the toaster.

Now I have to stop right here. My dad has a funny issue with our toaster. He insists, that after it is used, it is stored in a cupboard out of sight. The coffee machines are apparently the only small appliances allowed to permanently occupy the counter. It bothers me because it is a pain to dig the toaster out of the back of the cupboard each time I want to use it. But it's not my house, so I guess I can't complain.

Anyways,

I decided to put butter and cinnamon and sugar on top of one half. And blackberry jam on the other half of the bagel.

It was tasty. So Happy National Bagelfest Day! I hope you enjoyed a bagel today.

Do you have a favorite type of bagel or a favorite topping you put on your bagel?

July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

Mmmmmm......hot fudge.

I decided to make my own.

Now what is better than home made hot fudge?

Home made hot fudge on home made vanilla ice cream.

 
I don't use my ice cream maker that much. I don't know why.

Because every time I do make my own home made ice cream, everyone always tells me how good it is. I vow to make it more often. And then time runs away from me.

My friend Courtney once helped me make some home made ice cream for a game night I was having. The first one we made was a bluish color. We named it "Blue Dragon." The second batch we made was a faint purpley color. We named that one "Faded Unicorn." Courtney came up with the name Faded Unicorn. Unfortunately Blue Dragon was forgotten about in the freezer. I went back to college at the end of that summer and several months later, mom came across this much freezer-burned, bluish thing. She had no idea what it was so she threw it out. When I came home for Christmas Break, I hunted for Blue Dragon and that is when mom finally figured out what it was.

Anyways, I found a really easy fudge recipe.

JazzyJ's Easy Fudge Recipe:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla

Directions:
1. Melt condensed milk, salt, and chocolate in the top pan on a double boiler. Stir often. Cook for about 8 minutes or until mixture is pretty thickened.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

And that's it!

 Of course I put sprinkles on the top. Sprinkles always make everything better.

The extra fudge stored well in the refrigerator for about 5 days, and by that point, it was gone. 

July 24: National Tequila Day

Tequila is one of my favorite alcohols. I don't know why. It doesn't taste that good. But I love that warm feeling it gives you as it makes it way to your stomach. It was my go to shot in college.

In honor of today, National Tequila Day, I made dad take a shot of tequila with me. Dad isn't the most experienced with shots. He prefers wine or beer to hard alcohol. I prefer hard alcohol. Always.

First of all, we listened to this song. (To tell the truth, I forgot to play this song until afterwards but let's pretend we listened to this song as we took a shot.)

Jose Cuervo Song

We took a shot of tequila the correct way. Complete with the lime and salt.

In case you don't know the correct way to take a shot of tequila, I will tell you.

Take a slice of lime and rub the lime juice on your hand between your pointer finger and your thumb. Pour some salt on top.

Three Easy Steps To Take A Tequila Shot:

1. Lick the salt and lime juice from your hand.
2. Take the shot.
3. Put the lime slice in your mouth and suck on it.

I think dad was a little nervous.

For some reason, I don't think dad will be taking a shot of tequila again anytime soon...

Meanwhile, let's just all appreciate the beauty that is this bottle of tequila.

Did I buy this bottle of Jose Cuervo just for the bottle?

Yes. Why yes I did.

July 23: National Refreshment Day

My birthday was a few days ago. Since I had three lovely days off in a row (this is the only time this will happen until September), I went to visit one of my dearest friends from Portland to spend my birthday with her. We spent my actual birthday on the Oregon coast. It was the perfect day except everyone else had the same idea we had so it was quite crowded. But that's okay.

I got to frolic in the waves. I'm quite good at that.

I got to eat ice cream.

And I got my beloved sea foam. Never had it? You are missing out. It's a chocolate covered crunchy, light, brittle like thing. Pretty much the best ever. I can only ever find it at the beach. Or at specialty candy shops. I live for that stuff. 

So we celebrated my birthday with my family when I got back. I went to my favorite local Mexican restaurant. Where I ordered the birthday special drink.

What is the birthday special drink? That's a really good question. It's about 5 shots worth of various liquors (I actually have no idea what they are.) Then it's mixed with coffee, two cherries, and a lot of whipped cream. Then it's lit on fire and transferred to another glass. It's quite dramatic. I mean, a flaming alcoholic coffee drink?

Yes please.

So this was my refreshment of the day.

I have a video but it's too big to upload here. You will just have to take my word for it.

I do have an awkward photo to share though.

July 22: National Hammock Day

Have you ever seen a bear full of hammock? I mean a hammock full of bears?

Well, now you can say you have pretty much seen it all.

I'd like to introduce you to the handsome lad in the front. This is LB. He is visiting until the end of August from Sunny California.

Happy National Hammock Day!

July 21: National Junk Food Day

I'm not really the healthiest eater.

I mean, I eat a spinach fruit smoothie for breakfast each morning. And I have been eating a lot of spinach salads lately.

But then twice, in the last week, I've been guilty of eating a donut IN THE PARKING LOT of the athletic club. I don't even like drive down the street and then stuff that deliciousness in my mouth. I try to be sneaky. I make sure my car is parked in the opposite direction of the club. I wouldn't want someone to see me. But still...

I'm also addicted to coffee. Not just like regular black coffee. But like coffee that is loaded up with sugar.

I love chocolate.

And ice cream.

And fudge. And of course donuts!

Pretty much any dessert.

So in honor of today, I'm posting some pictures of my favorite junk food.

Enjoy!

Mud pie from Red Robins!

Caramel corn!

Pigs in a blanket!

Ice cream with sprinkles!

Chocolate zucchini bread!

Rice krispie treats!

Pie!!!