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

[BlueSkies]

Good Morning Gals!

Mandy Are you going to be the new early bird!!! IDK Kelly gets more done in one morning than I do in a day sometimes...

Deb You baked again...you're gonna spoil those guys enjoy having lunch with your brother...

Dawn I love books that make me laugh! I'm ready for a new book too so I'll be off to the book store later to get the one you recommended...Keep the recomendations coming...the recipes too...

Annette We have a superbowl party every year here too...same thing heros...salads.. I hear Channing makes some awesome chicken wings!!maybe she'll share the recipe

Channing How about that I would love the recipe to make them fresh...I usually get the premade ones...I'm going to check out your historical fiction recomendations too....I enjoy reading those too....

The one thing I missed so much when all the kids were young was that I had no time to read...except parenting magazines...

Christine Are you sick of the snow!! Your DS probably loves it...all kids do...me I cant wait for spring....Maxie has been keeping our countdown going...

Maxie Thinking of you and your DH today...

Well another novel...and I havent even finished my coffee yet!!

Have a good day all ttyl....

 

[BlueSkies]

Channing We were posting at the same time...here bored=a shopping trip!!! I hope the snow wont be too bad either!! hard to go shopping...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing We were posting at the same time...here bored=a shopping trip!!! I hope the snow wont be too bad either!! hard to go shopping...

I did that YESTERDAY!!

I am gonna get my wing recipe up!! I make KILLER WINGS!!!

Chan
GF GAL that specializes in bar food!

 

[mandymommy4]

Did anyone see this? I heard it on the radio this morning while taking DS to school and I just found it on youtube....... It is a letter the Bush twins wrote to Sasha and Malia. NO matter how you feel politically this is so sweet. Sasha and Malia are such adorable little girls and I can't wait to watch them grow up the next 4 years in the White House!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSXM0y8z8pg

 

[mandymommy4]

I did that YESTERDAY!!

I am gonna get my wing recipe up!! I make KILLER WINGS!!!

Chan
GF GAL that specializes in bar food!

Ohhh I might have to try and make your wings, if they are easy. DH LOVES wings, he asks fro them every year for his b-day so we go to Beefs. I might try them out for the super bowl (which we only watch for the commercials)

 

[Lives4Disney]

Ohhh I might have to try and make your wings, if they are easy. DH LOVES wings, he asks fro them every year for his b-day so we go to Beefs. I might try them out for the super bowl (which we only watch for the commercials)

They are EASY And YUMMO!!!

I am on the phone now with my neighbor...I will put it up asap!!

Chan
GF WING GAL!

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Did anyone see this? I heard it on the radio this morning while taking DS to school and I just found it on youtube....... It is a letter the Bush twins wrote to Sasha and Malia. NO matter how you feel politically this is so sweet. Sasha and Malia are such adorable little girls and I can't wait to watch them grow up the next 4 years in the White House!

Mandy you know where I am politically and I totally agree with you! This was a super sweet letter to two little girls. When you take away all of the politics they are still two little girls- and that is what matters most. Very sweet of the Bush girls to leave the Obama girls such an honest and heartfelt reminder to be kids.

 

[BlueSkies]

Mandy Just watched that video...so lovely..I am sniffling here!!

Channing Thanks looking foward to the recipe!!!

Who needs a cook book!! GF gals have some awesome recipes!!

BTW I made that risotto recipe...yum... its was delicous...lots of stirring though...I highly recommend it...thanks Mare!

Maybe I'll make the Queen of Coffeecake recipe for superbowl!!! I bet that would be good with icecream...Well everything is good with icecream

 

[Cinderumbrella]

You need to read the Boleyn Inheritance next.....If you want to go back in time to Katherine before she married Henry then read "The Constant Princess". That is the book I am on now....

K...did you read the Kite Runner and Thousand Splendid Suns??? THey are soo good and I would never have thought I would like them!

Thanks for the tips ladies!! I might see if the library has the Boleyn Inheritance next

Wow..I HATED the Boleyn girl book....hated it. the peeps were all so nasty and conniving. There was nobody in that book I could sympathize or empathize with!! I am surprised anybody likes those books...it sounds bad but i really am. THey are all dark & disturbing. I had another of her books sitting on my nightstand for months....and i couldn't get into it at all...I think it might have been the Constant Princess???....ugh....I had to just put it away and throw in the towel which I hHATE to do with books!!!

I love Jean Plaidy books. They are fact based historical fiction but much more fun page turning reads IMO. Anybody read her?? She is awesome...I started with Victoria Holt in middle school and she has several pen names...and Jean Plaidy is one. Also Phillipa Carr...AWESOME reads. Intense page turning books!!!

How about Karlene Koen? I enjoyed her Through the Glass Darkly...but I have the other two in the series sitting here...they are HUGE and daunting...I have to just dig in and do it.

I guess the nastiness didn't bother me that much! I liked the Mary character a lot. Thanks for the tips on some other authors. I will check out my big bag of books from you and see if any of those authors are in there

So I need to go shopping today. DH booked us a weekend away at the Grand Geneva for Valentines Day (IL's are taking DS) so I need to get a dress for dinner. It never ceases to amaze me how I can have a million and a half sun dresses but never anything good in the winter The Loft has some new stuff in so I thought I would take a peek.

I also need to get a new bag for WDW in June. The one I normally bring isn't that big (and not that comfortable to carry) DH always brings a backpack and carries the ponchos, camcorder, camera etc. but now I have to be the one to lug that junk around. I have a Dick's Sporting Goods coupon that expires on 1/31 so I thought I would see if they had a big backpack (but a girlie one).

What do you guys bring with to the park to carry your gear????

 

[lovemy2boys]

Morning ladies! Send some of that snow to New York! I LOVE SNOW!

 

[goofygal531]

Hi gals,

I have DS4 home sick today and he's being so needy!

BlueDeb: Glad you liked the risotto, we did too but my arm was killing me after all that stirring! I'm making the coffee cake Thursday night for a Teacher Appreciation Day on Friday. The PTA hosts a luncheon for the teachers and I thought the coffee cake would be nice. I do want to show my appreciation and it serves a lot - I think it will be perfect for the luncheon. Deb I was doing laundry ALL DAY yesterday! Bugs are all gone, but I made sure others used the machines before I did! Horrible I know, but I don't want any bed bugs!!!

We're supposed to get snow this afternoon into tomorrow. They're saying anywhere from 1 to 3 inches, maybe more.

DH was supposed to go to Vegas for Superbowl with friends but he canceled. He's a bad flyer and chickened out. He heard snow and freaked Now we have a credit with jetblue for his tickets. He wasn't looking forward to the 5 hour flight either. I think the snow was just an excuse and a way out!

Chan: I'd like the wing recipe too since I might be having company now!

Mandy: Thanks for the link to the Bush Twins letter, that was so sweet!! I loved how they spoke of their father! Very touching.

Lesley: Owen is beautiful! Congrats!

Does anyone know if Teacher Appreciation Day is a hallmark holiday??? Are there cards for this??? I'd like to buy a few for DS's teachers.

TTYL,
Mare

 

[goofygal531]

What do you guys bring with to the park to carry your gear????

Kristin, I'm guessing DS is done with the stroller?

My DS4 hasn't used a stroller in a few trips, he prefers to walk.

I've noticed a lot of moms who travel solo with kids prefer the Baggalini Messenger backpack. I have it, and still haven't used it. I think it's great if you have to carry everything. I don't have to yet, I store a lot in the stroller and DH can carry the video camera in his pocket (santa brought him a new, small model specifically for this reason!)

The bag is on the small side, but very well organized. It's also very lightweight. It has a water bottle pocket which is very handy!

http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Messenger-Sling-Bagg-Stop-Nylon/dp/B0001F32AO

 

[mickeynut1]

Mandy......Thanks for posting that link....what a sweet letter that was .


Chan......I'd love your recipe for wings too . I may just have to try them for the Super Bowl .


Kristin......We bought a real nice canvas Mickey backpack our first year to Disney and that's what we use to take to the parks. It's actually the same one we use as our carry on as we only take one of those anymore . Is DH definitely not going with you and DS in June or is he still on the fence ?


Lesley......You can have our snow....I'm about tired of it . We still have ALOT on the ground......the roads are clear but everywhere else is still packed with snow . It got to almost 40 degrees a couple of days ago but then the temps dropped back down to the teens so everything stopped melting . I am ready for spring .


Mare....Sorry DS is sick . I hope he feels better soon .


BlueDeb......Thanks......today's lunch with my brother will especially be good because we will talk about our Disney trip and make some plans .


I better get going......lots to do before 11:30 when I meet my bro . I will catch you gals later.......happy chatting .


Deb

 

[BlueSkies]

Mare Isnt every thing a hallmark holiday!! I do believe I have seen cards for this though...making your coffe cake is a nice idea...my recipe card says Mare's Queen of Coffee Cakes!! its filed next to Dawns Pumpkin Muffins...you're in good company.... I think home baked goods always make such a nice gift....

Kristin I just bought Lesportsac Jen bag for DD... she loves it....I'm going to get myself one too... not too big...can go over the shoulder or carry in hand...lots of extra pockets on the outside too...she has a print but I liked it in just plain black....

Lesley You are not alone Marvel loves the snow too....me I want Mandys weather...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I am bringing the stroller as I am sure he will finish out the days in it. Plus I will make him ride in it when we are cutting from one side of the park to the other (I am scared to death of losing him in those crowds ) But I hate to carry a big bag in line (and in June, I am sure we will be in longer lines than we are used to ) As cute as my Mickey bag is, it is just too awkward to bring.

That Bagalini almost looks too small I need to carry both ponchos, an umbrella, 2 hats, sunscreen, the camcorder (which isn't that big), my camera, a bottle of water, my hairbrush, the autograph book, pressed penny book with pennies etc. (My back hurts just thinking about it!!)

This is one I saw at Kohls a few days ago:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2600492

It was in pink (but I don't think it had the binder- not that I need that!!!) I was a JanSport fan in college (DH carries a black basic Jan Sport backpack when we go)

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Kristin I just bought Lesportsac Jen bag for DD... she loves it....I'm going to get myself one too... not too big...can go over the shoulder or carry in hand...lots of extra pockets on the outside too...she has a print but I liked it in just plain black....

BlueDeb: is this it?

http://shoes-handbags.hsn.com/lespo...n Bag - Espadrille 4665698&cawelaid=297761032

this is too similar to what I have now, and the straps kill my shoulder. That is why I was thinking backpack or slingbag

 

[goofygal531]

Mare Isnt every thing a hallmark holiday!! I do believe I have seen cards for this though...making your coffe cake is a nice idea...my recipe card says Mare's Queen of Coffee Cakes!! its filed next to Dawns Pumpkin Muffins...you're in good company.... I think home baked goods always make such a nice gift....:

Aaah, thanks! It's really a delicious cake.

Funny story, I'm actually not speaking to one of my country house neighbors over this cake! I baked it for a BBQ that she was having and she had the nerve to tell everyone it was store bought. Under her breath she said there's no way I could have made it. DH heard her and got really mad! He told the woman she was speaking to that I DID make it. He was more upset than I was. This crazy lady has not spoken to me since and this was 3 years ago! So beware of people denying you made it yourself!

I just bought Lesportsac Jen bag for DD... she loves it....I'm going to get myself one too... not too big...can go over the shoulder or carry in hand...lots of extra pockets on the outside too...she has a print but I liked it in just plain black....

Last June, I bought a LeSportSac Tessa bag for our trip. I loved it for the airport but as the days passed, I hated it. Because it was so large, the guys (all of them!) would shove stuff in it and it became so heavy my shoulder hurt. By the time we got to the airport to depart, the bag was stuffed and couldn't be zipped closed! I liked all the pockets, but I'll never go with a shoulder bag again. I've noticed lots of moms favor sling bags, they just distribute the weight better.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Aaah, thanks! It's really a delicious cake.

Funny story, I'm actually not speaking to one of my country house neighbors over this cake! I baked it for a BBQ that she was having and she had the nerve to tell everyone it was store bought. Under her breath she said there's no way I could have made it. DH heard her and got really mad! He told the woman she was speaking to that I DID make it. He was more upset than I was. This crazy lady has not spoken to me since and this was 3 years ago! So beware of people denying you made it yourself!

As a fellow Betty Crocker, that would have p!ssed me off to no end!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Kristin, I always carry my VB Hipster....and that was my plan next week...but I decided my backpack will make a return. I don't mind it on one shoulder and I love my keychains and my stuff. ALL MY STUFF!!!

I have been on the phone for almost an hour!! I think my neighbor is bored, too.



The BEST wing recipe ever!
YOU HAVE TO USE FRANKS ORIGINAL RED HOT SAUCE...>NOT the WING SAUCE...that is nasty!

The recipe is on the bottle...but we have perfected and improved it.

It says.....

2.5 lbs wings - which I always trim the tips off...and separate the wings....and I am sure we always do much more than 2.5 lbs...

1/2 C Franks Red Hot sauce....I always use a little more! by the time we are done..we use a whole bottle of sauce...

1/3 C melted butter...I always use a little LESS in each batch probably more like 3 TBS..but it helps cut the heat..so it depends how you like your wings



Bake Wings 1 hour at 425...(I do it on a broiler pan AND...this is my difference....I bake them until they are golden brown - usually about 1/2 hr ...then take them out and sauce them up) AND the way to sauce them up is in a large Tupperware...you dump the sauce and butter in, and then the wings...then you shake them to coat....then I put them back into the oven for the remaining time....sometimes a little longer than an hour depending...we like them crispy done....on Xmas I did two trays and it took longer than an hour to get them crisp...it also depends on the size of the wings.

THEN...once they come out after about an hour....I do another batch of sauce to recoat...so they have been baked in the coating and then get recoated so they are saucy and delish...my mouth is watering....

We always do blue cheese dip and carrots and celery and garlic toast to soak up the sauce!

I am looking for some pics...omg..i took a hilarious picture of Jojo on Xmas Day....after her wing eating.....but...she is gonna be so embarrassed.....

I didn't realize it's Super Bowl weekend....duh....

Chan
GF BAR GAL

 

[BlueSkies]

Kristin That is it... on the Lesportsac site it gives a little better view of the bag and the over the shoulder strap...DD likes it and has a good amout of stuff in it...

For better balance though maybe a backpack would be a good choice...the one you posted is really nice...Jansport is definitely sturdy bag...

I guess you'll just have to shop until you find the right one...