Having a GRAND time - the NEW Official GF Chat Thread PART 4

[Lives4Disney]

Morning all

It is amazing how a few days on antibiotics can just make you feel 100% better!

Kelly~ I was inspired and folded a load, washed a load, and put away last nights dishes and washed the breakfast dishes all between taking DS to school and DD to school!

OH AND I WAS SO GOOD THIS MORNING SO I AM GONNA BRAG! DH is in a meeting so i turn to my invisible friends. After taking DD to school I got in line at McD's for breakfast and had this dialog in my head.... "A bacon egg and cheese sounds so good right now i cant wait!..... no that is not what you need...... well i will walk later..... no you wont...... yeah I wont, I don't have time to walk today......... OK nothing taste as good as thin feels GO HOME! " And i got out of line!

I swear I am not crazy! I am just so proud I resisted my addiction to McD's BEC biscuits.

Know what else i love???? CHEESECAKE! So I am ignoring post made about cheesecake! LOL!

OK off to listen to the podcast while I clean...... it sounds like a bad one today since I have no interest in marathons

Mandy, that is AWESOME!! I always go thru the drive thru and get Diet Coke there and the fries always smell so good...but that's another thing that I KNOW is bad for me.

Mandy: I LOVE Egg McMuffins!! I now make a WW version every morning! One lite multigrain English Muffin, FF Cheese, Egg, 1 Morning Star Sausage - 5pts YUM!

WW also has yummy (okay satisfying) cheesecakes in the freezer section.

I used to never buy myself treats, now I have to. It's the only way I stay on track. I'm also addicted to Hostess Coffee Cakes! 1pt a package

Way to go on walking off the line!!

I was thinking of you Monday, I had a McD Grilled Honey Mustard Snack Wrap 7pts!

Mare! I do that same stuff.... OOoh..thats good to know about the snack wrap points....

Deb... $55 for cheesecake....EEEeeek! I have never even been to Maggianos....

Chan

 

[hobbester]

Kristin-Thank you for your secrets. I let my cream cheese sit out for 2 hours, but I probably mixed/baked it too long (I always worry about the wiggle center part). I love your plan for opening the door while it cools then moving it up to the counter. Thank you, I may have to make another one this weekend and try it your way. When DH came home last night, he saw the cream cheese sitting out and said - who is the cake for, then I kinda felt bad that he won't be able to get more than just a slice.

 

[princessesrule4]

Morning everyone!

I had my coffee with fat fee coffeemate creamer and a Hostess 100 calorie cupcake pack! I'm addicted to those! I HAVE to have chocolate daily!

Chan - The visually impaired fella made me cry when he sang "And So it Goes"!! Loved him! There were some crazy peeps on there. Like the first guy with the hair! We love that show- especially these audition ones! Can't wait for more tonight!

Mandy - Good job on leaving the Mickey D's line!

Dawn - Keep us posted on the job search. I bet you did great!

Oh and, my cheesecakes always crack! I thought they were supposed to! I just cut it before anyone sees like Lisa said...

 

[goofygal531]

I've tried so many tricks with the cheesecakes, that I've honestly given up and now buy the $10 ones at Costco. It costs less to buy it than to make it. Good Eats had a whole episode of the science of cheesecakes I followed his rules exactly and my cheesecake came out raw in the center. He has you raising and lowering the oven temps, shutting the oven off w/the cake inside, etc....

I love to eat cheesecake, given up making it.

I do have the BEST coffee cake recipe thought! I'm the Queen of Coffee Cake! Everyone loves it and it's so easy and it's HUGE 9x13!

Chan: Have you ever checked out Dottie's Weight Loss Zone? http://www.dwlz.com/restaurants.html

She has a section with all the WW restaurant points. That's where I get all my info. I downloaded her WW points tracker into my Palm Pilot and it saves everything so I don't have to re-enter all my favorite food every day. I use my Palm just for WW I keep it on the kitchen counter.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi Gals!

I feel like I havent been here in ages!
Have missed chatting with you all....

Last week I got the stomach flu(which was awful)but to add insult to injury ( I think thats the phrase... )I caught the cold that my DS has too....so I went from throwing up to a fever sore throat coughing... OMG how many things can you get at once... at least two...I now know from experience....the fever after the stomach flu was the worst I think thats what has taken me so long to recuperate!!!

Anyway I'm finally starting to feel human...my house is DH made a point of telling me how hard they have been trying to keep order...(oh and the laundry...I had to ask who folded it!!! ) But they did take good care of me...

I watched AI last night too..love that show...bikini girl get some clothes on...DH thought she was great..what a surpriseLooking foward to tonights show..

McD snack wraps are delicious the problem is I need to eat two not no feel hungry The only upside to being sick was the weight loss.... But now that I am better I'm starving....

Mare I see from your post no luck with emh yet..you're right its going to be 90 days.....I will keep revising my ADR list until then....who knows what I'll end up with....

Hope everyone has been well...

Feb gals your trip is right around the bend...

Amy...Not sure how long but I know your wedding day is almost here too

Maxie I have lost that spring countdown for sure!!

Our weather forcaster this morning called his forcast the frigid forcast!! Not good...I'm coughing like mad without going outside....

I just cant stop typing... alright gotta go....the laundry is calling...

TTYL

 

[BlueSkies]

Mare You always have such great tips

How about sharing that coffee cake recipe...

I have gotten some of the best recipes from you GF gals...I have made Dawn's muffins several times already..and thats what I put on my recipe card too "Dawn's Pumpkin Muffins"....

Do you ever go on the kraft kitchen site...some nice recipes there too...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Wendy! Did you get that flight changed?? I am just curious and excited....I know you were waiting on the home bound...were you waiting on the outbound too? Or did you change it?!?!!? Jojo and I were waiting and waiting and we were afraid we missed that guy on AI!! He was good & I hope he does well. I LOVE AI!!! I am glad you mentioned it's on again tonight. I didn't know.

AND...I thought cheesecakes were supposed to look cracked on top also! Even some restaurant ones do..... I didn't realize that was bad!! I am with you Wendy...I didn't know! You Martha's are funny. And..if you throw some fresh strawberries on it...who would even know!?!?

Blue - wow...glad you're feeling a bit better. It's been a while!

Mare, yes I forgot about that site! thanks for the fyi

Siobhan..i hope you're feeling better.

TTYL!
Chan

 

[goofygal531]

BlueSkies: We missed you! Sorry to hear you've been sick Hope your cough goes away soon. That's nice that the family helped out and took care of you My DH's idea of folding the laundry does not include turning items inside out! It's just folded whichever way it comes out of the machine! No thanks, twice the work for me! He's an excellent cook so he helps there that's it.

I have to dig the recipe out of my cookbook, I used to have a copy of it on my other laptop (the one that DS1 put into permanent "safemode")

I'm feeding DS1, who just woke up from his nap starving. Then I have to go pick up DS4. I'll get the recipe up later! It's so good!!

Feel better!

Oh, I'm not even interested in the EMH anymore. If my plans fall on one, fine. If not, we'll live.

 

[BlueSkies]

Thanks gals I am definitely on the mend...

Princesses I love those hostess cakes too...and what a calorie bargain

Siobhan Hope your feeling better too....

I have to say I have never made a cheese cake...dont think I ever will...cant imagine what it would look like too bad my DH does love them...ours are strictly from the bakery....

 

[goofygal531]

Coffee Cake

Cake
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Add milk, butter and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed til combined. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat 2 more minutes. Pour in to 9x13 pan (I spray pan with Pam first) then bake at 375 degrees for 30 mins or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Crumb topping
2 sticks of butter, melted
2 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsps cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt

Mix all ingredients together and press on top of cooked cake.

Put back in over for 15 to 20 minutes until set and lightly browned.

When cool, cover with powdered sugar.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Has anyone ever seen "The Other Bolyen Girl"? It is with Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johanssen. Big period pic about Ann Bolyen and Henry VIII. I admit I am a sucker for a period flick, and this one isn't bad...

 

[irisbud]

Has anyone ever seen "The Other Bolyen Girl"? It is with Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johanssen. Big period pic about Ann Bolyen and Henry VIII. I admit I am a sucker for a period flick, and this one isn't bad...

we saw that in the theater and it was pretty good, especially for being a book adaptation. I am never entirely thrilled with those, but this one was decent.

The book was very good! I read it on our last Disney trip and had trouble putting it down to sleep at night

 

[princessesrule4]

Has anyone ever seen "The Other Bolyen Girl"? It is with Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johanssen. Big period pic about Ann Bolyen and Henry VIII. I admit I am a sucker for a period flick, and this one isn't bad...

I read the book but haven't seen the movie! Was the movie good?

 

[goofygal531]

Hey, anyone heard of this before?? This sounds like so much fun!!

The Magical Fireworks Voyage, which has been offered exclusively to guests traveling as part of a Grand Gathering group (8 or more), will become available to all, regardless of party size, starting March 1, 2009.

When this change goes into effect, the price will increase to $53.99 per person ages 10 and up, $30.99 per child ages 3-9.

It is expected that this experience will undergo some changes, including a new name

MAGICAL FIREWORKS VOYAGE
This event begins with cookies, snacks and beverages before you "set sail" on your magical voyage where you'll have prime viewing of the Magic Kingdom's "Wishes" and "Electrical Water Pageant."

Before you board, none other than Captain Hook and his hapless first-mate Mr. Smee arrive for some mayhem and photos. Your host for the night is "Patch" a pirate of dubious distinction. As you sail along the Seven Seas Lagoon, Patch will have you singing along and challenge you to some Disney Trivia.

Your "ship will set anchor" at the perfect spot overlooking the Magic Kingdom to view "Wishes". From there you return to the pier while Patch regales you with the story of Peter Pan. When you arrive, you'll see that none other than Peter himself is there to greet you.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

we saw that in the theater and it was pretty good, especially for being a book adaptation. I am never entirely thrilled with those, but this one was decent.

The book was very good! I read it on our last Disney trip and had trouble putting it down to sleep at night

I read the book but haven't seen the movie! Was the movie good?

hooray! there's a book?! I know where I am going tomorrow!!

I really enjoyed the movie. Sadly the only other Natalie Portman movie I have seen is Star Wars (and I know she very much likes to distance herself from these) and this was my first Scarlett J film. It was nice and juicy- just like a romance novel

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Coffee Cake

Cake
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Add milk, butter and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed til combined. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat 2 more minutes. Pour in to 9x13 pan (I spray pan with Pam first) then bake at 375 degrees for 30 mins or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Crumb topping
2 sticks of butter, melted
2 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsps cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt

Mix all ingredients together and press on top of cooked cake.

Put back in over for 15 to 20 minutes until set and lightly browned.

When cool, cover with powdered sugar.

Thanks Mare Putting this recipe aside for my next brunch...

 

[goofygal531]

Thanks Mare Putting this recipe aside for my next brunch...

You're welcome

It makes a lot, but it's one of those cakes that disappears fast. You just can't stop picking at it. I don't make it often, I'd eat the whole thing!

Hey, have you heard that not only is Space Mountain going into Rehab in April, but they have to close down the TTA!!! They're working on the roof of Space Mountain, so they can't have the TTA open DS1 LOVES that ride!! He loves the dark part of space mountain I love that it puts him to sleep!!! I take him on there when it's just about nap time, by the time it's over, he's sleeping I'm so upset this silly little ride will be down It's one of those you take for granted! Oooh, I'll go to the hall of presidents It's in a/c too!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Afternoon Ladies


I had some errands to run and then I met my brother for lunch and the roads were absolutely HORRIBLE . All the cities and towns are cutting back on plowing because of the costs and it's making things very dangerous for driving . It snowed all afternoon but it's pretty quiet now.....but I don't think that's supposed to last too long before it starts up again .


BlueSkies.....Glad you're feeling better . That stomach flu can be a doozie sometiimes .


Chan......OMG.......You have never been to Maggiano's????? You have to go sometime.......the food is AWESOME . Some of the BEST Italian around . Of course it's different for us as there's only Olive Garden around here that's decent . But Maggiano's is worth the drive to Oak Brook for us .


Mare......Your coffee cake sounds yummy......I'll have to give it a try . That Magical Fireworks Voyage sounds neat......I hadn't heard of that before . Thanks for sharing the info . I also heard about Space Mountain being down while we're there.....DSs aren't too happy about that . But I guess we have been pretty lucky on all of our trips so far to not have experienced any closures......so I guess I can let it pass this once .


Amy.....Another day down and only 8 more to go .


Mandy......WTG on getting out of the McD's line . I'm like Chan.....I go through the drive thru for a Diet Coke but more times than not I get fries to go with it . I'm weak and don't have the same will power you do .


Well it hasn't been that long since I started this post and it's snowing AGAIN . From the way it's coming down, I think we're in for alot of accumulation .


Deb

 

[Lcaemom]

Good evening ladies

Finally got my new computer...working through some glitches...hopefully, I'll get used to this soon. However, for the most part it is great.

Trying out a new Rachael Ray recipe tonight...ham and swiss lasagna...smells good so far...love ham, love swiss cheese...and there are artichokes in it. I'm very excited to try this.

Didn't get back to the coffee shop today...TOOOOO cold!!! Supposed to be getting colder!

Siobhan...sorry you're not feeling well. Hope you felt better as the day went on.

I'm off tomorrow...can't wait to finally catch up with everyone...hope everyone is staying warm...

Oh yes...my name is Leighan...pronounced Lee Ann...meant to address that the other day...someone asked. You can spell it any way you want...not sure WHAT my parents were thinking when they made up that spelling but, it always get butchered so, don't feel bad if that happens...Lcae, might actually be easier to remember.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

You're welcome

It makes a lot, but it's one of those cakes that disappears fast. You just can't stop picking at it. I don't make it often, I'd eat the whole thing!

Hey, have you heard that not only is Space Mountain going into Rehab in April, but they have to close down the TTA!!! They're working on the roof of Space Mountain, so they can't have the TTA open DS1 LOVES that ride!! He loves the dark part of space mountain I love that it puts him to sleep!!! I take him on there when it's just about nap time, by the time it's over, he's sleeping I'm so upset this silly little ride will be down It's one of those you take for granted! Oooh, I'll go to the hall of presidents It's in a/c too!!

Can the recipe be halved and made in a 9x9??

I saw about the TTA the other day. DS will be crushed. He calls it "The Transporter" and it is his very favorite ride. I like it because it is breezy and there is never a line *sigh*