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!!!

July 19: National Daiquiri Day

Yummmm daiquiris!

What a funny spelling for a word. And a little confusing.

I made strawberry coconut daiquiris for today! I decided to get a little fancy and put an umbrella in my drink.

Except dad got confused and drank the one with the umbrella, then he licked the umbrella so I didn't end up with an umbrella in the end. But that's ok. Next time I'll put an umbrella in both of them.

Dad excitedly stated, "They were very tasteful."

I'd like to thank Captain Morgan for his help in celebrating this day.

July 18: National Toss Away the "Should Haves" and "Could Haves" and...MY BIRTHDAY

One of my absolute favorite books (and movies) is The Great Gatsby. Something about it, draws me to it. And the reason I like the movie (the new one anyways) is NOT just because Leonardo DiCaprio plays the part of Jay of Gatsby. (That might have a little something to do with it though. That man, he is beautiful).

My favorite line: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
- The Great Gatsby

This quote has intrigued me. And one day, it will be one of my tattoos. I know a lot of people have this tattoo, which is the only thing holding me back from getting one right now. I like to be different.

This quote reminds me that the past is important as it is often times is involved with what will happen in the future. And even if we are fighting to move forwards, there will be things holding us back. That's the boat fighting against the current. The future is trying to pull us back into the past. It's a never ending battle.

People always say to forget the past and move on into the future. But these two things, they can only exist with each other. In order to be a future, there has to be a past.

So I think it is important to learn from the past, and take that new knowledge into the future.

Now how does my semi-sane ramblings relate to today's post? Because today is about writing down things you "should have" or "could have" and throwing them away, and moving forwards. (But don't forget about them completely, they are things that make you, you.)

So I made a list of things I Should Have or Could Have Done

 
And then I crumpled it up and threw it out. (No, I am not going to let you see what I wrote.)

On a happier note, today was also my birthday! I spent the weekend in Portland with one of my dearest friends I have known since Kindergarten. We went to the beach.

The beach is my happy place.

And had an amazing mud pie ice cream treat.

And got in some puppy lovin' with this super sweet and rambunctious golden retriever pup, Poppy.

It was a good day to be alive.

July 17: National Yellow Pig Day

What the heck is National Yellow Pig Day?

Good question.

Very good question in fact.

I wasn't sure what day to celebrate today. Mom suggested I celebrate this day in honor of my dad who loves math.

Then it got ironic.

Because National Yellow Pig Day is about these two college students who became obsessed with analyzing the number 17.

My dad's absolute favorite number is 17.

When asked how long it will take to get somewhere the answer is always 17 minutes.

What is the estimated time of arrival: 8:17 or so on.

How long did we bike ride? 17 minutes.

I think you get the point.

It seems that these two college students decided to invent a "yellow pig" which has 17 toes, 17 legs, 17 teeth.....and so on.

I haven't seen this pig, but I'm pretty sure my dad's new mission in life is to find this yellow pig who has 17 of everything. 

July 16: National Personal Chef Day

My mom announced today that I am like the family's personal chef.

Oddly enough, I'm okay with that.

Although I would prefer to be a personal baker.

I know some people who just hate to cook. I look at it as an adventure. Because even if it turns out horrible, you can try again the next day and it's like it never happened.

And you don't even have to tell people about it if it turned out bad. But often times, this experience comes with a funny story. And funny stories are pretty much my all time favorite.

I would never want to be someone's personal chef. Except, I could be my own personal chef. :D

I would be okay with that.

I've been craving sushi lately. Probably because my brother and his girlfriend gave me a birthday card that had 3-D sushi on the cover.

I've never home made sushi, but somewhere in this house, we have a professional sushi rolling mat.

I think that's what I will make next.

July 15: National Give Something Away Day

I wasn't sure what I was going to give away on this day.

And then I saw this GoFundMe fundraiser on Facebook and I knew this was my sign.

I love the Ellen show. And I love Ellen. (But really, who doesn't love Ellen?)

She's had the most adorable boy on her show a few times over the last several years. His name is Tayt and he needed a heart transplant. He got his heart transplant a few weeks ago and he is doing amazing. That boy, is something else.

He is out of the hospital but has to stay nearby until at least Labor Day (maybe even until Halloween or Christmas.) His mom is of course staying with him. Which means they aren't home with the rest of his family.

Tayt's Nana Lori started a fundraiser to help out his family financially.

And I knew that's what I was supposed to "give away" today. So I did.

I may be young but I also know how blessed I am. So I'm paying it forward.

Stay strong Tayt! And just keep swimming :D

Here is the link if you would like to donate yourself:

http://www.gofundme.com/xs8n5c

I know that some of these fundraising sites have gotten bad press lately because people lie and make up fundraisers for something that doesn't exist. But trust me on this one. This is a legit one.

July 14: National Nude Day (NOTE: This post is PG rated)

National Nude Day.

They seriously have every type of day out there.

And no, I didn't spend the day in the nude.

I went to work today entirely clothed and I stayed that way.

So I don't have a picture for today.

You are probably thanking your lucky stars this post is picture-less.

You were also probably nervous to click on this blog post for fear of what you might see/read.

If you celebrated today, kudos to you. But please don't tell me about it. I don't want to know.

But I do have a funny story for you that involves nude people.

One of my roommates in college worked a summer at a clothing-optional resort. She was the sweetest girl and very modest. I still can't picture her working there. One day she ran into her brother's ex-girlfriend's mom. Could you even imagine how awkward that would be?

All I know, is that if I ever found myself at a place like that (like maybe if I was blindfolded and dragged there against my will) I would be afraid to sit down or to touch anything.

July 13: National French Fry Day

Yummmm. National French Fry Day.

What? This isn't a french fry?

Too bad.

 I like tater tots better and I had them on hand. But I mean, if you squint your eyes, they might kinda look like a french fry. Just imagine, a shorter, and more robust french fry.

Close enough. And good enough for me!

July 12: National Simplicity Day

I live a pretty hectic life. At least, I do in the summer anyways. I work on average, about 6 days in a row before I have a day off. Sometimes, I work 11 days in a row before I have a day off. My day off is normally spent "catching up on life." That means cleaning my room and bathroom, emptying out my car, and doing laundry. Not really a relaxing day off.

I'm not complaining. I like a busy life. But sometimes, I do wish it was simpler. I miss doing puzzles and I miss reading. I'm a pro at multi-tasking, which I like, but sometimes, I wish I only needed to do one thing at a time.

In a world where everyone is go go go, trying to get "ahead", I think most people could benefit from a simpler life. Because if you think about it, what does it even mean to "get ahead?"

So today, in honor of National Simplicity Day, I tried to spend less time on my computer. I tried not to check my phone as often. I tried to remember to watch the sunset and give my cat more attention.


Today, I picked the first batch of blueberries from our garden. And I savored each and every one. (And I tried to save some for my parents to eat, but it was hard.)

I remembered to breathe. And I reminded myself that tomorrow is another day and I tried not to rush myself.

July 11: National Blueberry Muffin Day

These aren't your regular blueberry muffins. These are orange blueberry muffins. As you can guess, these muffins required an orange. We didn't have an orange in the house. This wouldn't be a problem, normally anyways.
 

Mom and I went to Pilates this morning. I drove so mom didn't have her purse. (This is important, I promise.) I was very low on gas. We got to the grocery store and I realized I didn't have my purse either. (Oooops drove without my license!) But we needed that orange! I yelled, "Everybody search for change!" I should probably mention that my car is super messy. Mom had to push some trash off my passenger's seat just to sit down. We hunted and managed to come up with a small handful of coins. One dollar and seventeen cents to be exact. So we headed into the grocery story, picked out a small orange, and luckily it cost less than $1.17. I didn't have enough money to get any gas (I wasn't about to hand the guy less than 50 cents and tell him I wanted 50 cents worth of gas.) Luckily I made it home and back to town (with my purse) and got gas without my car dying on me.

We bought that orange and I made orange blueberry muffins. And everything ended up ok.

JazzyJ's Orange Blueberry Muffins:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup orange juice
- zest from one orange
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon soda
- 3 cups blueberries
- cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling on top

Directions:
1. Grate the skin of one orange to create the zest. Juice the same orange. I got about 3/4 cup juice from one orange, so I added 1/4 cup of orange juice from the fridge to make one full cup of orange juice.
2. Mix together
the oats, orange zest, and orange juice.
3. Add in oil and applesauce.
4. Lightly beat the eggs and egg whites together and add to the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Add this dry mixture to the other mixture and mix.
6. Gently fold in blueberries. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar on top. 
7. Pour into lined muffin cups and bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes.

EAT. Then you should probably eat a second one.

July 10: National Pina Colada Day

"If you like pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain, if you're not into yoga, or you have half a brain..."

This may be one of the greatest songs ever written. It's a great song to belt out in a car. It's just a great song in general.

Pina Coladas were one of my go to drinks in college. One time, my roommate Allison and I, were making a Pina Colada after one our roommates had gone to bed. Her bedroom connected to the kitchen and we were afraid the sound of the blender would wake her up. So we simply took the blender into the hallway of the apartment building (outside of our apartment) and blended a Pina Colada in the hallway.

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Especially if it involves making a Pina Colada.

Normally I buy a Pina Colada mix. But this time, we bought this rich coconut stuff in a squeeze container.

I added 1 1/2 ounces rum, 3 ounces of this coconut cream stuff, 3 ounces crushed pineapple, and some ice. I tripled the recipe since I was making three of these drinks. But then I couldn't taste the rum. So I poured in more rum. And then poured in a little more just for fun.

It was oh so creamy, smooth, and had a nice rich coconut taste. And you could taste the rum. Ohhhh could you taste the rum :D

You see that sea turtle/ocean themed decoration around the rim of my glass? Well' that's one of those snazzy hair ties that also doubles as a bracelet. TrendyTurtles is expanding soon to carry a variety of these! Stay tuned, it's going to be big.

July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day

What's better than sugar cookies?

Maybe sugar cookies with frosting.

Or sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles.

But what about cat shaped cookies with frosting and sprinkles?

It doesn't get much better than that.

JazzyJ's Super Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Cream together butter and sugar until super smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
2. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover and chill for at least one hour (or over night).
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out dough on a floured surface until about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Cut into shapes and cook cook on a cookie sheet for 5 to 7 minutes.

Which ones don't belong? Which one is my favorite?

Buttercream Frosting:

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, soft
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk

 

Cream everything together until smooth. Add more milk a few drops at a time if needed.

I added a few drops of blue food coloring to get a nice light aqua blue color.

Top with your favorite sprinkles. Remember, you can never have too many sprinkles. 

I made these star shaped cookies for my neighbor, Jeff. He is a super star because he's a volunteer EMT and fireman. Thank you Jeff, for your service to our community! We appreciate you.

This was supposed to be a turtle shaped cookie that I hand shaped myself. And then it's head fell off. And now it looks like a misshaped Pillsbury Dough Boy. But that's ok. It was delicious.

I'm normally not a fan of sugar cookies because they are often too crunchy for me. These were nice and soft. The frosting was amazing and the sprinkles, of course, might have been the best part. :D