TGIF: Trifle Gathering In Friend's (house)

Considering what a hot mess things are at in my life (mainly work life) right now, it was a very welcome distraction to get a call on my Trifle Hotline this morning.

OK. It's not a real thing. But now I'm wondering if it should be. Ha.

A friend was inquiring if I had a recipe for trifle that includes XYZ, her father-in-law's favorite candy bar. I told her I always make these things up on the fly, but recommended how she could make it work into the (what I consider required) trifle layers.

Side note: I can't go into specifics because I do not want to spoil the surprise... the image above is not what we worked on – it's just to get you trifle fans a reason to read this!

I also asked if she even had a trifle bowl. And when she said no she was just going to buy one, I had wicked flashbacks to Christmastime and my focus to find just one bowl! Now that I have 3 of them and one was fresh out of the dishwasher, I said, "Let me loan you a trifle bowl, stop by your house over lunch and give you a Trifle 101 tutorial."

So that's what I did.

I gave her the Trifle 101 basics. Cake-like layer on bottom, then pudding layer, then crunchy layer, repeat all 3, and add a whipped cream topping and "fancy/decorative" cover.

I saw the final result later today and think some birthday boy is going to be pretty happy tomorrow.

Of course this also got me thinking, since no less than a dozen people have urged me to hold a workshop/tutorial of some sort, should I do that? Would you come? Would I need to just pick the flavors, charge for the ingredients and the bowl so you can take that home and understand the basics of building a trifle... and the etiquette of serving/eating it? There really is a lot involved.

Or should I just do a video (very amateur quality) demonstrating it?

For those who have asked me or wondered, I welcome the feedback. I can either do a Trifle on Demand type Hotline to make them, or I could empower you to do them and keep your family and co-workers happy for life. Ha.

I appreciate feedback since trifles can appear intimidating. 

At the same time, I'm a nice and honest lady. They are NOT that hard to do. Y'all can handle this.

Uno de Mayo

Happy May Day!  Of course this day is always emotional because it's not my birthday, but it's my "I gave birth" day! To clarify, not to the cat in the picture. But our now 27-year-old baby Carter. I asked him "How am I supposed to convince people I'm only 29 when you're 27?!"

Uff da. 

I really just grabbed a random picture for Carter's birthday and realized she (Sylvester) is gone and he is so grown up and "basically gone" to adulthood and independence, too! Someone stop my momma tears!

Thank goodness there was a happy ending, of sorts, to my day.

Of course our Marketing Department "Fun Committee" has something lined up each month, so today was the Pre-Cinco de Mayo Guac and Salsa Showdown. I've never made traditional salsa, but thanks to my friend Brenda K., I was introduced to the concept of "fruit salsa" a few years back. A great summer potluck addition.

So last night after golf lessons and choir practice, I sliced and diced a bunch of fruit to make a salsa!

A blend of kiwi, apples, raspberries, strawberries and more. I figured why not offer an alternative to the spicy salsa I personally love to have!

Our Fun Committee did a great job of laying out all the Guac and Salsa options. Complete with numbers and heat indexes. They provided the usual tortilla chips for the dips, but I provided my own "cinnamon-sugar" pita chips and pretzel crisps for my Fruit Salsa.

Although I'm typically competitive, I honestly didn't think my non-traditional salsa stood a chance. I was just happy to introduce people to this summer alternative my friend introduced me to.

I was legitimately quite surprised to get a very cute second-place trophy! I will include my "prize winning" (what I used this time) recipe below, but keep in mind it's better with fresh summer fruit and you can add whatever you want.

Robyn’s Fruit Salsa

2 kiwis (peeled and diced)
2 Golden Delicious apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
8 ounces raspberries (diced)
16 ounces strawberries (diced)
2 T white sugar 
1 T brown sugar
3 T fruit preserves (I used seedless strawberry jam)

Serve with cinnamon-sugar chips (Stacey’s Pita Chips or Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps)

Side note: Best if served the same day you make it so it doesn’t get too runny. If it does, you can drain a bit before serving.

Look at you all set to summer potlucks now! In the meantime, help me cope with my baby being a super adult!

Bridging the Gap

Well our question about whether our new stove would fit in the same spot was answered today. And the answer was "Uhm, kind of."

This afternoon, Jim texted me at work that the oven was delivered and fit the 30-inch wide space, but...

While our biggest concern was the 30-inch width for the new stove to fit, we didn't pay as much attention to the depth. The result? It was just too deep that our corner cupboard (pictured above) couldn't open. Gah!

Thankfully we have handy friends. Jim called  Todd over and while they considered "shaving off" that cupboard door, I'm so grateful Todd found a way to shift the cables behind the stove and move it back!

Now, we have micro millimeter gap but enough that the door opens and we don't need to re-order a new stove. Praise be! After all the time (and $$$) in the remodel, it would've been heartbreaking to have to re-do things to accommodate a new stove. Thanks goodness for smart friends!

And thank goodness, especially, that I can open the cupboard to my coffee K-cups tomorrow morning. Priorities, right?

A Baker's Dozen't

Is it Murphy's Law or Baker's Law when you remodel your kitchen – except for replacing the stove – and then it dies a month later?

This is the last batch of cookies (or anything) baked in our trusty Frigidaire glass-top stove we bought 24 or so years ago. I was trying to be the daughter-in-law of the year Saturday and was excited to discover Cream Cheese chips to add to my spice cookies. But when the first pan was in, all of sudden the temperature was going down. Thankfully, it lasted just enough to get the first 20 cookies out of the oven and give Johnny a dozen.

After further review, the burners no longer worked either. And the clock went black until I turned on the "bake" dial. Yep, far more messed up than when I could simply replace the heating element several years ago. (I was so proud of that DIY moment!) 

So we had to pick out a new stove – and since we have those concrete countertops in place, one that must squeeze into that 30-inch gap exactly! Fingers crossed for the new stove arriving Thursday!

After that, we grabbed some food in Point and went to the Pacelli Co-op Hockey game so I could shoot pictures of their Stick it to Cancer night. I feel like my dates with Mr. Zamboni are now supervised!

Today, we took advantage of our last free weekend for the foreseeable future and went to the movie The Boys in the Boat, based on our 1936 Olympic rowing team. I've read the book and was excited that the movie did a great job reflecting their story. We both liked it.

Then it's been nothing but football and me doing a little photo sorting for scrapbooking weekend. 

Naturally, we ordered Portesi pizza for dinner since we couldn't do a take-and-bake from anywhere. Takes getting used to. I'm wondering if the remaining cookie dough will last in the fridge until I can bake it. Someone seems to like it. And it's not me or the kitty.

The Big Reveal

Ok. So even though we aren't 100% done with redoing our kitchen, all the people we contracted with are. So it's time for our exciting big reveal! Just going to try and post BEFORE and AFTER pictures and hope they are about the same angle. 

BEFORE: If you recall, a huge part of this was also stripping wallpaper and painting the walls white. (Side note: I'll have a Lighthouse Liquidation Sale next spring!

AFTER: We replaced the white panel wainscoting with brushed metal panels and black framing. I hated to see those white boards go, but dang, I'm loving our new look! And yes, the wall decor has a long way to go, but we wanted to get it started before Christmas guests arrived.

BEFORE: All I can say for the remaining BEFORE pictures is that our cabinets were in good condition, just outdated. And for us, it's thrilling to see the AFTER! 

AFTER: Wow.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Very excited to turn that space into a pantry!

BEFORE

AFTER

And the backsplash which was just old wallpaper before and is a white subway tile look!

AFTER

We wanted our backsplash (formerly wallpaper) to be somewhat simple – but textured – by our concrete countertop. We love it! Some things are worth the wait!

On the Level

I never thought I'd say this, but I think I need a laser level in my life! Who knew?!

Mr. Back Splash Man (he sounds like a super hero because he is) arrived on the scene today. He was halfway done by the time I got home from work. All I can say is: one, glad we didn't tackle this ourselves. And two, that laser level is freaking awesome!

Since the wall by the dining room table is blank now and I plan to add photos, I think that laser level would kick ass. I mean, assist me in making sure things are lined up. Plus it's got Mission Impossible / James Bond vibes. 

Dear, Santa: You hearing me?

Anyway, we're loving how it's looking so far and cannot wait for the final "before and after"!

Patience is an underrated virtue. It's really, really major some days!

Feeling Wired

After staying up late to watch our beloved Vikings choke, we were both tired and wired today. But we slugged through the work day like champs and then saw another step in our kitchen remodel see completion.

We now have nice new outlets – one black and the rest white. Plus, thanks to our handy electrician friend, we have the light over the stove installed. That took some doing but I was a lovely assistant – doing important things like holding flashlights and fetching extension cords while Jim helped with measuring and decision-making and Mike did all the labor. 

It was a team effort. Kidding, Mike. Thanks for doing it all!

Only one big thing left to do (or pay someone to do) and that's the backsplash. We are so close to being "before" and "after" photo ready! Grateful for patience.

After dinner, I popped over to Cindy's to watch another two episodes of Lessons in Chemistry. So good. And now I gotta catch up on The Voice.

Will get to bed at a decent time so I'm not wired tomorrow again! Have a great week!

Very High-Level Sneak Peek

I'm so excited when each stage of our kitchen/dining room remodel is complete. It makes me anxious to share, but I know there's more "wow factor" coming.

The concrete countertops are in, but keep in mind, we're still awaiting the backsplash and the much-needed updated outlets! 

Still... is it not amazing? We're thrilled so far and super excited we can use the kitchen sink as of today. Yay! 

When it's all said and done, I'll have before and after pictures so I can give a proper shout-out to the people who handled the AFTER parts! 

Everything AND the Kitchen Sink

Today was a big day. We have a kitchen sink for the first time since September 17! Of course, there's some plumbing and countertop finishing touches to do tomorrow. But that's progress. You can see a bit of the concrete countertop but I won't reveal all just yet. We love it though!

So tonight we did one more meal out, of course. Went over to Kellner International so we were close to home. I had a big lunch today so I only had an appetizer, but then the waitress just had to mention the dessert options.

Share a piece of Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert? Yes, please! So yummy. And oh so filling.

Got home in time for my other date night. Crossed the street to watch a TV show with Cindy. Lessons in Chemistry is based on a brilliant book we read for book club. Unfortunately, it only on Apple TV. But fortunately, Cindy's got it! 

We only watched the first 2 episodes but it is very well done. If you don't have Apple TV, then read the book. In your free time... during these dark, dark nights that start at 5 p.m.!

Plunged into Darkness. Again.

There's a false celebration that we are ending Daylight Saving Time – and getting an extra hour of sleep (or something). But then it gets to be 5 p.m. on that first day. And we're plunged into darkness. Much too soon.

A few faves...

This is funny because most of us got up when our bodies told us to get up. And based on the full parking lot at church this morning, I'm guessing it was EARLY.

And this is 100% dramatic me. As I told my mom today, I realize I've lived in Wisconsin for decades and this happens every single stinkin' year. But still... I hate it. I want jammies on by 6 p.m. And this won't change for at least 4 month. Uff da.

On the "light" side literally, we honored loved ones we've lost for All Saints Day. I lit a candle to pay tribute to those we've lost in the past year – Jim's mom, my Aunt Gwen, his Uncle Lyle, and my friend Cindy. To name a few. As I said the other day, grief can sneak up on you. But it was a good reminder today that they are in a better place. 

Also on the much brighter side, with our QB Cousins out for the season and the backup QB getting a concussion in the first quarter, the Vikings had to rely on their 3rd-stringer, so to speak, to step up today – just days after the Purple People Eaters acquired him. And he did that job!

This is fascinating. I don't care what team you cheer for! And we didn't get to watch the game until the last few minutes. Just followed the drama on our phone apps. And then bit our nails at the end. Whew. SKOL, Vikes! Well done!

Oh and the other highlight of the day was learning kitty also like Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake ice cream! We're soul sisters forever!

Side note: you can see a sneak peek at our kitchen island here. That lighter stuff is a brushed metal insert. Stay tuned to pics this week after our countertops and sink get installed Tuesday. It's been a long 7 weeks! 

Despite Daylight Saving Time ending, there is light at the end of that particular tunnel!

Generous Rewards

If anyone claims people who work in marketing have the most fun, then yup, they're right. But sometimes we have to earn the fun.

We recently had our United Way campaign at work and since 100% of our 60-person department participated, our generosity was rewarded with a special event. In this case: Beer and BINGO. Well, beer, other beverages, BINGO and the all important pizza!!

I've just gotta say that after last week's failure at axe-throwing, I redeemed myself.

I got a BINGO when we had to form the letter S. And won a fabulous prize of campfire marshmallow roasting sticks. This is definitely my sport! I mean if axe-throwing and bowling are sports, then surely BINGO belongs in that same category.

I also tried my hand at BAGS (aka Corn Hole, aka Bean Bag Toss) and I sunk a few in the hole. There was much rejoicing – mainly by novice me – but still it was fun.

Got home and all the cabinets and our new wall border are installed. I'd love to show pictures, but I think I'll wait until countertops hopefully are installed in the next week to show a sincere "before and after"! So far, we love, love it.

It's like I can't stop winning! Bring on my much-earned 3-day weekend.

Boo-tiful Sunday

Was nice to pick up Rayna this morning and have her go to church with me. Thanks to all my church friends who met her and still convinced her I'm pretty cool despite my NFL preferences! 

She hit the road by noon so my afternoon included a trip to Stevens Point with my friend Cindy. First stop: the Fall Boozy Book Fair at District 1 Brewery. 

We both though this summed up our opinion as book lovers!

In the end, we both bought a few books. Mine were very "soft" mysteries (far from scary or horror) but still, we were both happy to support small, local businesses. 

We made our way down to Kohl's and Menards. Hey, she got clothes and I got a kitchen faucet so it was a successful trip all around!

The rest of the day was Jim golfing and me finishing a few photo and design projects. I hope I still have few hours to enjoy the weekend. Hope it was a BOO-tiful day for you, too!

Pause to Enjoy

After working at home and having strenuous decisions with the countertop guy, we were in a good place for a Monday. We made "concrete" decisions if you know what I mean. But it dawned on me after work that I hadn't taken time to realize our most colorful tree took a turn!

It's a weird autumn because the neighbors across the street had full-color scheme weeks ago and now their tree is naked. I guess we had different weather or soil conditions 20 yards away because our dude finally got with the program today!

So nice to pause and enjoy before sunset.

And try to be artsy with my camera phone, of course!

Now hubby is mowing/collecting some leaves and I'm continuing our cabinet Jenga game to see what fits where in our new setup (until The Voice starts). We still won't have everything done TOTALLY done before Halloween week, but we'll just organize stuff in baby steps and realize we'll have to open 3 cupboards before we find what we need.

Shhhh.... Enjoy the fall colors, Austins! 

Getting a Handle on Things

So there was a historic day today with a solar eclipse. You know the photographer in me wanted to capture that, but dang... we had more cabinet progress! How do you like our handles? Jim and I agreed on these immediately since we have some cool metal stuff coming as part of this overhaul.

Naturally, the curious cat wanted to know about this solar eclipse thing so we sporadically sat outside to see if there was progress.

Wouldn't you know it – on a "partly" cloudy day it covered up the good stuff. From our yard anyway. But still, it was kind of cool that every picture captured some end-of-the-world vibes.

It's so weird. No filter. Just rainbow outlines. That was cool enough for me. And you know I say that while I'm jealous of people who captured it!

Our awesome crew left by 12:30 p.m. so we grabbed lunch at Ida's and then had Son #2 and his plus-one visit awhile. 

Tonight I emptied 4 totes of "kitchen stuff" while reorganizing the cabinets that have the hexagon handles installed. It will be a strange new reality.  But we can't wait to see the end result!! 

Again, sorry to bore you but we haven't had a major upgrade to our home of 20-plus years in a long time. Life is good. Make improvements to your home sweet home to enjoy it – not just to sell it!