Girls Only Trip (old thread, link to new thread in first post)

[disney-inspired]

Hi everyone! it's been a bit crazy today.
Woke up around 9:30 and did my chores before leaving at 1pm. Today I was my neighbor's cleaning elf. I was there from 1-4:30. After that I made runs to Dollar Tree for wrapping paper, bows, and a cookie container; Wal-mart in search of the elusive Club Penguin Mancala game (sold out at all Toys R Us stores that my parents have gone to); and then to Stater Bros. to get some cans of condensed milk for the alfajores.

I doubt many of you have heard about or eaten Alfajores. So let me enlighten you of this south American dessert.

Here's a photo I found off of google.

WARNING: THESE COOKIES ARE INCREDIBLY FATTENING. EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

You put the cans of condensed & sweetened milk into a pot and fill it up with water. You put it to boil for approx. 2 hours. You bake the cookies (using flour, butter (too much), and powdered sugar. Once the the cans are done boiling, you place them outside or just on the counter and let them cool. You have to wait until they are completely cold or they will explode if you try to open them! Yes, making alfajores is VERY dangerous if you don't know what you're doing

You put the now caramelized milk between each cookie and then bury them in powdered sugar.

While eating, DON'T inhale through your mouth or you will choke on the powder sugar dust causing everyone around you to laugh at you....not that I know from experience or anything...

And that's that.

 

[Stacerita]

I heard you do that anyway.

You been talking to my brother?

Hi everyone! it's been a bit crazy today.
Woke up around 9:30 and did my chores before leaving at 1pm. Today I was my neighbor's cleaning elf. I was there from 1-4:30. After that I made runs to Dollar Tree for wrapping paper, bows, and a cookie container; Wal-mart in search of the elusive Club Penguin Mancala game (sold out at all Toys R Us stores that my parents have gone to); and then to Stater Bros. to get some cans of condensed milk for the alfajores.

I doubt many of you have heard about or eaten Alfajores. So let me enlighten you of this south American dessert.

Here's a photo I found off of google.

WARNING: THESE COOKIES ARE INCREDIBLY FATTENING. EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

You put the cans of condensed & sweetened milk into a pot and fill it up with water. You put it to boil for approx. 2 hours. You bake the cookies (using flour, butter (too much), and powdered sugar. Once the the cans are done boiling, you place them outside or just on the counter and let them cool. You have to wait until they are completely cold or they will explode if you try to open them! Yes, making alfajores is VERY dangerous if you don't know what you're doing

You put the now caramelized milk between each cookie and then bury them in powdered sugar.

While eating, DON'T inhale through your mouth or you will choke on the powder sugar dust causing everyone around you to laugh at you....not that I know from experience or anything...

And that's that.

Your day sounds as busy as mine was. Those cookies sound yummy.

 

[lulubelle]

Wow, Cristabel those cookies sound amazing. Yummo.
I was gonna ask what a Alfajore is. Now I know.

Heather, I hope your dad feels better real soon. We are going to my dad's tomorrow night for Christmas Eve. He lives about 90 minutes away. I miss him and wish I saw him more than the every three months I do. We all get so busy in our normal lives and time just flies by. Just thinking out loud...

Cheryl, my friend, you have an ambitious holiday schedule ahead of you. It's exhausting just reading about it. Have a great time.

Wendy and her quick wit, that girl doesn't miss a beat, that's why we love her.

Half day at work tomorrow and then four days off - WOO HOO!!! But I am bummed that is supposed to rain on and off all day here on Christmas.

 

[stacielee]

Here's my drive-by post, I'm in South Dakota where it is currently 9:30pm and -1 degrees; yes, that is 1 degree below ZERO!!! I'm freezing my [edited for word filter]off.

Oh, has anyone heard anything about Adam Sandlers movie Bedtime Stories? That's opening on Christmas Day as well as the Marley and Me movie. I was planning to see the Marley one, but they are calling it a "tear jerker" and I just don't know if I feel like crying my eyes out on Christmas.

Night ladies!

I had a ChaCha question about the Marley movie, and heard the end is SAD!!!

I have to work today. Yuck. Don't. Feel. Like. It.

I forgot to tell you all that my father had to have emergency surgery this week. He had colon cancer 3 years ago, and has had 5 surgeries since. Well, on Sat he started complaining that his side hurt, and it was pink. Within two hours, it had burst open. The mesh the doctor placed inside to hold everything in was infected. So, he was in surgery Sunday morning at 8am. He did fine, and recovering well. He hopes to go home tomorrow. He is an American Baptist Minister, and he's going to have his first Christmas off in 30 years. I think he's disappointed because Christmas Eve service is his favorite. I'm disappointed that I wasn't there to support him and my mom. We are moving back East in 2010. I hope everyone stays healthy now until at least then.

We are going over to a friends house on Christmas for dinner. I went to AJ's (fancier grocery store) where they have an aisle of beers from around the world. I got two dozen singles (all different) beers for us to try and sample. We've always talked about doing that, but have never tried it. I also got two bottles of wine to go with dinner. You'd think we were alcoholics by the vision in my buggy. Oh well, tis the season...

That's all for now. I feel like I haven't talked with you all in ages. After work, I have to run to target and the grocery store. It should be interesting!

Have a great day all!

Heather

Heather, hope your dad is alright. My dad is in Michigan and we've had a couple of scares where I had to go back for a few days. But so far, so good.

Have fun with the beer, that sounds like a fun thing to do.

Me too! No homemade cookies this year.

I went to a bakery and BOUGHT 6 dozen. (Of course, the cousins will never know the diff)

It's finally noon and the phones are starting not to ring--thank God. The last few days have been insane. I'm leaving around 3 p.m. to go meet a client and some friends for drinks, then meeting other friends at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and ornament exchange. Then home to sleep and get up and cook!

Hope you're all having a great day--Heather--glad your Dad is doing well--that was scary that such an infection could occur now!

Have fun Cheryl. Save me some cookies for my birthday.

I'm at work, but stole a few minutes to see what you crazy ladies are up to, and I see this. I haven't been to DLR yet, but have not heard of Elvis in the HM. Is he perhaps the groom of the monkey bride?

Oh, good one!!

Oh yeah, thats right. I always wanted to fling my own poo.

I kind of suspected that about you...

 

[21yankees]

Oh yeah, thats right. I always wanted to fling my own poo.

Careful, the tag fairy might be watching....

Well I finished wrapping all of the kids' presents. Tomorrow we're baking and we have to go to the grocery store too . I'm hoping that they're not too crazy but I'm expecting them to be...

Hope you all have a wonderful night.

steph

You know me so well!!

 

[Stacerita]

Careful, the tag fairy might be watching....

Well I finished wrapping all of the kids' presents. Tomorrow we're baking and we have to go to the grocery store too . I'm hoping that they're not too crazy but I'm expecting them to be...

Hope you all have a wonderful night.

steph

Don't say that. That is probably the last thing I want to be tagged with.

Have fun baking tomorrow.

 

[mommaU4]

Just stopping by before I turn in for the night. I went to the dentist tonight. No luck on retreating my two teeth. They will both have to be pulled. January 17 is my appt. for that. I am freaking out. If anyone has any experience with having teeth pulled I'd love some advice. What to do and not to do. And just how horrible is it really.

I told him I cannot afford the implants so my only other option is to do a lower partial. Yay, dentures at age 37. Before they can do that though I'll need to have some other work done. Two fillings, a chipped crown replaced, the two teeth pulled, bone filled in just in case I want implants down the road, and the partial made. Even with insurance that will cost a pretty penny.
This couldn't have come at a worse time. We were going to start Noelle's braces in January. Finally after putting them off for so long.

Oh well. I don't want to be a downer! So, I'm going to head off to bed. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!!

 

[mommaU4]

Oops! Double post.

 

[21yankees]

Just stopping by before I turn in for the night. I went to the dentist tonight. No luck on retreating my two teeth. They will both have to be pulled. January 17 is my appt. for that. I am freaking out. If anyone has any experience with having teeth pulled I'd love some advice. What to do and not to do. And just how horrible is it really.

I told him I cannot afford the implants so my only other option is to do a lower partial. Yay, dentures at age 37. Before they can do that though I'll need to have some other work done. Two fillings, a chipped crown replaced, the two teeth pulled, bone filled in just in case I want implants down the road, and the partial made. Even with insurance that will cost a pretty penny.
This couldn't have come at a worse time. We were going to start Noelle's braces in January. Finally after putting them off for so long.

Oh well. I don't want to be a downer! So, I'm going to head off to bed. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!!

Beth I am so sorry that they're not going to be able to do the retreat. *HUG* I'm keeping good thoughts that all of this will work out for you and your family.

steph

 

[cheshiregirl]

Just a quick drive by to say hello and wish everyone a peaceful Christmas Even and a joyous holiday.

Knott's was even worse than advertised on Sunday--crowded doesn't even begin to describe it and it was dirty and run down too. We did not stay too long!

Sunday night we went to the DEP and it was everything I hoped for. We were also able to parkhop just in time to catch the fireworks from the very end (or is it the front) of Main Street.

Yesterday was rainy and yucky all morning and we only lasted 2 hours before heading back to Hojo for dry clothes before a late brunch at Goofy's. We had a great time there and then wandered the grounds since it was our first time visiting the DLH and the rain had stopped. Ty then desperately needed a nap so we went back to Hojo for a few hours before getting in a good evening session last night including the parade and part of the fireworks again. We had planned to watch the whole show from IASW but they made the announcement that the show was likely to be cancelled so we decided to ride while the line was still short--of course we were halfway through when we started to hear the booms. We had a boat completely to ourselves and got off the ride right before the finale and it felt like we were having a private show, which was very cool!

Today's highlight besides the weather being nice was seeing Guy Fieri at TSMM. Oh, and Dave and Ty won DFPs at Mickey's House while I was in line at PFF. It was a nice surprise but, honestly we didn't need them as we had brought 7 partial DPFs from previous trips (we had won 3 times previously and I wanted to keep one whole and apparently we have lost one) with us. The only FP we ended up using all day was HHM as most of our day was spent doing character greetings (MickeyX2--once with Photopass and once without), Minnie, Goofy, PFF (Princess Minnie, Belle and Ariel), Handy Manny, Pluto (at the Disney Visa meet), Santa, Pooh and Eeyore.

Tomorrow and Thursday are both supposed to be cold and rainy so I don't know how much time we'll spend in the parks. I have purposely saved the Animation builidng attractions, Blue Sky Cellar, HISTA, Innoventions, Disneyland: the first 50 years, and the Mickey cartoons for the next two days as they are all indoor attractions. We will probably also visit the Tiki Room again and maybe do a few other things, but I feel no need to push Ty too far, especially since he's just getting over being sick. The poor thing was shivering as we waited for Santa today and it was pretty nice at that point! I am sure that we'll make the most of it, but that we'll probably end up watching a couple of the movies I packed back in the room before we head to Storyteller's for dinner tomorrow night.

I am a bit worried about the drive home on Thursday afternoon as the weather looks like it's going to be iffy and we have to drive up into the mountains where the rain could be sleet, ice or snow. So, wish us a safe trip and I'll fill you in on the rest on Thursday night of Friday!

 

[kelmac284]

Tracey that stinks that your kiddos wouldn't do Santa. We got to the mall and the line was outrageous but my girls waited cuz I forced them LOL but it was worth it in the end. As we got closer they got excited and we got a GREAT pic so it was all worth it in the end!

Man Wendy I haven't been to the Galleria in forever and BOY has it changed. I hate that they moved the food court. I liked where it was located but MAN is that place HUGE now! WHOA! That place was packed though.

I met mom this morning about 11 and we had to take the girls as Lynn had to work and it was crazy. I went to the Disney store but I was NOT impressed. They didn't have much of anything and last year they had all those cute Disney outfits for Christmas and this year NUTTIN! Not much of anything impressed me and all I walked out of there with was some pj pals. Mom got shelby one thing but it was pretty dissapointing even with the big sales they were having.

Then they moved the children's place which was my OTHER fav store and I had to use my coupon by today and I was not impressed with their new store. It didn't seem NEARLY as big as the old one and like it had nearly as much stuff as the old one did. I did find some cute stuff for the girls but still I was not that impressed. We took a break and got a wetzels pretzel which was YUM and then we looked in Sears and again I couldn't find any christmas dresses for the girls but mom did find some cute Lands End stuff for them just because. I LOVE Lands End stuff. Then we headed to Penneys and I bought myself some black velvet slacks for tomorrow night. I didn't have any dressy pants since I lost weight. Anyway we needed a few more things but we couldn't buy much with the girls so we took them home and then headed to target and mom was able to get the rest of the stuff for them. She still needs to get some more stuff for Katy's birthday which is 1 week from tomorrow. I really hate sometimes that her birthday is SO close to christmas cuz it makes it impossible to get everything and not only do I have to worry about christmas but I have to think about her party as well.

But anyway we got it all done FINALLY and then we headed home. WHEW!

So now I just have to head in to work tomorrow and get some last minute stuff done. Shane was supposed to work tomorrow but they don't have anything which really stinks because that means he is only going to get a 2 day paycheck next week. BLEH. But oh well. I know he is glad for the break.

Anyway Heather I am glad your dad is doing better and many prayers to him and you!!

And Beth I am so sorry about your teeth. I so feel your pain. I know how much it sucks to have stuff go wrong at the worst possible time. And I know all about the stupid braces. Our insurance only covered 1000 of 6000 braces and then Lynn's mom was supposed to give us half of the balance and then she bailed on us.

It always seems like things like this always happen. ((hugs))

Everyone have a good evening and see yall in the morning!

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Good Morning!

Beth-I'm sorry about your teeth. Things like this never happen at a 'good' time. Take care.

Tracey-Sounds like you are having a nice time. Wish I was there with you.

Kelly-I'm also missing some of the great children's clothes they had at the Disney store in the past. I hope that they decide to continue to make some cute things like that even though The Children's Place doesn't own them anymore.


The baby is having a nasty habit of waking up when DH or I get up for work. No more sleeping in for me. I've got him back down, but now I'm up. We are moving into a bigger apartment Feb 2nd. He will have his own room then. Hopefully, we all sleep better when that happens. His first birthday is Feb 1st. Is it bad form to get your one year old a new apartment for his birthday? We might have to celebrate later. My older DS's birthday is 3 days before his...Jan 29th. I wasn't thinking when I got pregnant in May two years in a row. I'm a summer baby, and loved having a birthday to cut the long year in half. My poor kids will get it all at once, and then have to wait forever.

That's all for now. Have a great day everyone!

Heather

 

[kelmac284]

Morning all! Oh Heather I know what you mean about your kiddos having a winter birthday. Just be glad they don't have a birthday like my poor Katy, a week after Christmas.LOL At least she wasn't born ON Christmas day which was the day she was due LOL. That poor kid has to get EVERYTHING in one week. And my mom is one of those that thinks she doesn't need as much since she "just got a bunch of stuff for christmas". I tell her that is SO not fair cuz you KNOW if her birthday was in June that she would get more stuff and it's not her fault she was born on New Year's. Plus it is tough having to plan a party when hardly any kids show up and on and on.

I told her though that she will LOVE having that birthday when she is an adult!

Anyway I know how much it stinks though cuz it is hard to do a winter birthday. You can't have swim parties or really ANY outdoor things. Plus it is hard having them so close together. We have christmas, Katy's birthday on New Year's eve then Lynn's birthday is Feb 7th and our anniversary is Feb 14th and my mom's birthday is Feb 26th then we finally get a bit of a break until April for Shelby but then right after is Shane's birthday May 29 and mine is only 5 days later on June 3rd so we have them pretty much all stacked up right on top of eachother.

Anyway I am off to work for my last day for 4 days. Hope everyone has a fun day today. We have candlelight service tonight at church and then we are going to a family party that we go to every year where "santa" makes an appearance. So it should hopefully be fun.

I may be on later today so should see you gals later but if I don't see some of you have a VERY Merry Christmas!!!

 

[Stacerita]

Morning ladies.

I just need to vent real quick. I hate when my staff calls in sick the day before holidays or the day after. Its really hard to give them the benefit of a doubt. Especially if they asked for it off and I couldn't give it to them. I came in all good to go today. Now I am all pissy and cranky. Not the way I wanted to spend today. Hopefully it will get better.

Beth - don't stress too much. It won't be as bad as you think. It never is. Check to see if you can do payment plans with your dentist. It will still cost a lot I am sure. But by doing payments, it might make it a bit easier to swallow. If you do it ahead of time, they should be able to work with you. And if you can pay them in cash when you do, they might give you a break as well. Good luck.

 

[fairykin]

Happy Christmas Eve, Everyone!

May each of Your christmas days be filled with people to help do the dishes, pixie dust magic to have the wrapping paper dance into the recyling bins and many happy memories made.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Edited since no wants to hear about my disappointment on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

[tinkermell]

Good morning ladies!

I just wanted to get on and catch up a minute. I did read through all of the posts, and would like to comment on each one, but don't have the time.

Besides, being ready for Christmas, I also have to pack and get ready for a big family gathering on Saturday. It has been YEARS since my siblings and their children have all gotten together in one place. So last year, my 84 year old Dad told us his "Bucket Wish." That was for every single one of us to make the best possible way to be together. There will be around 50 of us. Dave and I are hauling alot of the stuff to the party. Tables, ice chests, food...........My siblings are all helping out with various things too. Anywhos, looking so forward to this.

Then afterwards on Sunday heading to DL! Monday is my big day in DL going to Club 33!!!

If I don't get on again........................I want to wish everyone a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

 

[daisy_77]

I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas Eve. Spent the morning baking and making truffles. Now I am off to take a shower and get ready to have an early dinner than look at Christmas lights.

If I am not back tonight, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.




Beth...I am so sorry to hear about your teeth. Things will work out for you guys.

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Good morning ladies!

I just wanted to get on and catch up a minute. I did read through all of the posts, and would like to comment on each one, but don't have the time.

Besides, being ready for Christmas, I also have to pack and get ready for a big family gathering on Saturday. It has been YEARS since my siblings and their children have all gotten together in one place. So last year, my 84 year old Dad told us his "Bucket Wish." That was for every single one of us to make the best possible way to be together. There will be around 50 of us. Dave and I are hauling alot of the stuff to the party. Tables, ice chests, food...........My siblings are all helping out with various things too. Anywhos, looking so forward to this.

Then afterwards on Sunday heading to DL! Monday is my big day in DL going to Club 33!!!

If I don't get on again........................I want to wish everyone a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Club 33??? Lucky! Have fun!

Have a great Christmas everyone!

 

[disney-inspired]

So I do have to work today
I work 2:30-7pm. After that I have to head home so we can all pile into the van and head to grandma's for tamales and family time.

I probably won't be able to get on tomorrow to wish you all a Merry Christmas because I will be in Lancaster at my grandma's house...aka a dead zone. Yeah NO internet.

So I'll either be playing Wii or watching Christmas movies.

Have a wonderful MERRY CHRISTMAS!