Hurricane Irene's Aftermath

The storm has passed and left its very unwanted mark on us. While the winds were bad and the rain not as much as we expected, we're feeling the effects in the Allan household. This is Day THREE without power and no running water. Since we have a well that runs on an electric pump, our water is out as long as the power is. I'm at my wits end. While tv, internet, and phone are nice....I could live without power, its the no WATER that Is killing me! Our food has all spoiled, I've resorted to showering at my gym 20 minutes away. But, this plain sucks. Obviously with no power comes no cable and internet, so my little blog is on an impromptu vacation as well. Hopefully I'll be back and up soon! Meanwhile, I'm trying not to throw rocks at the houses that do have power on the next road over and defriend those Facebook friends complaining that their cable is out!

Getting ready for Irene!

If you live on the East Coast, the news is plastered with information about Hurricane Irene. She's upon the Carolinas now and due to sneak up the coast towards New England on Saturday and Sunday, with our biggest hit on Sunday afternoon.

So, as we New Englanders joke..time to get your milk and bread..and people are pretty serious about that! I went out last night to see people furiously stocking up on cases on water. Walmart's shelves were practically bare. Good think we drink Almond Milk in the Allan household and don't eat too much bread!

Here's the track our local stations are predicting...

with our lovely 7 day forecast...Irene gets a whole day to herself!

so while Mr. Allan walked around our yard last night making a list with about 20 To-Dos on it, and is taking the afternoon off to move patio furniture, pool furniture, adirondack chairs, flower boxes and what not...I made my to do list to get ready for the hurricane...

1. Charge cell phone

2. Charge extra cell phone battery

3. Charge kindle

4. Make a pot o chili to eat

5. Liquor Store run for wine

Obviously...#5 is the most important!

Stay safe, be smart, and enjoy riding out this storm! And a little entertainment...

Peanut Butter Cookie Covered Oreos...

say that five times fast...this is a very very decadent treat..okay, maybe not insanely decadent..more like a huge splurge of a treat. This is something I make then I immediately devise the exit plan for these to leave my house so I won't eat them, because let's face it, a peanut butter cookie is bad enough for you..then putting an Oreo cookie inside is a little heart attack. But, if you're looking for a crowd pleasing treat that's a little different...this fits the bill.

it starts off with a big ass batch of peanut butter cookie dough

After the dough is chilled, I took two little 1inch of so balls of cookie dough. I pressed one on top of the oreo, the other on the bottom and formed it around the cookie.

Here they are fresh out of the oven..as you can see..too much cookie dough makes for ill shaped cookies...there was definitely a little bit of a learning curve to get a nice shaped final product

 Although they're probably one of the unhealthiest things I've eaten all year long..they were good! A glass of milk is needed to go with it!

Peanut Butter Cookie Covered Oreos

(from http://www.runs-with-spatulas.com/)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar , packed
2 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
28 Peanut Butter Oreos (1 package)
 
In the large work bowl of a mixer, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Slowly stir in flour mixture, 1/3 at a time until completely incorporated. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place 1 tablespoon of cooking dough on top of an Oreo cookie. Place a second tablespoon underneath. Gently press the dough down around the Oreo, sealing the cookie dough edges together so that no Oreo shows through. Transfer the cookie to a prepared baking sheet and repeat, leaving about 1 1/2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies have just started to brown around the edges. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm a little late on this today...but here's this week's edition of What I'm Loving Wednesday with Jamie from http://www.littledaisymay.blogspot.com/

As a little birthday gift to myself, I decided to bite the bullet and buy a pair of J Brand denim leggings or jeggings. Last year I embraced the skinny jeans. I found a pair at the Gap that I enjoyed wearing and loved to pair them with knew length boots. The only problem...some boots can get awfully hard to zip once you start stuffing jeans all up in them. So, it was time..and I'm excited and eagerly awaiting my jeggings.

even better...buying them on piperlime.com and having one of those $10 reward cards from Old Navy hanging around!

I'm also somewhat loving that America's version of the royal wedding aka the Kardashian wedding is over. I was getting a little sick of hearing about it but will fully admit that I love the cover of this week's People and will buy it as well as tune in on October 9 for the E! two part special. I love crap like this!

I'm also loving this Method laundry detergent. I was pretty much a Tide girl, but I really hate constantly buying a container of it. I'd shop at the wholesale stores, like BJ's and Costco, but the containers were HUGE and I'd make a holy mess in my laundry area downstairs. I sometimes carelessly measure and would have clothes that stunk of too much Tide of marks on the fabric. There was always detergent dripping down the sides of the container that then ended up on the shelf and then ended up all over the top of my washer. So, if you're a messy, careless measurer like me..Method might be your answer. It's super concentrated, one bottle has been lasting me for quite some time and 4 pumps into the washer and you're done!

I'm also obsessing about this dress from Ann Taylor..yeah..it doesn't really look like much but I think my obsession is stemming from the fact that I have the perfect shoes in just the right shade of camel/brown that will go with it. When I first saw it in the store (and anyone who's frequented the mall with me in the past two weeks has probably been dragged into Ann Taylor)..I didn't think..wow what a great dress..I thought that dress matches my new shoes! Unfortunately it sold out in a heart beat. My normal size was a wee bit too short to pull off in the courtroom setting...and the size bigger is sold out in store and online. I'm debating whether I can pull off a Tall.....

Happy Wednesday...just think..it's almost the weekend!!!!

A couple details and pics of Kim K's wedding...

you're probably sick of hearing about...the news was plastered with this story all weekend long..to the point where I was sick of hearing about it..and that takes a lot to do!

Here's a clip from the www.popsugar.com with the first images of the big day...I must say...I'm not a fan of her headpiece and her bridesmaids suprised me a bit...they kind of look like brides themselves!

Happy Birthday to ME!

That's right..today is my birthday. Today I turn 33 years old. I'm not one to shy away from saying my age. Probably mostly because I feel proud of what I've been able to accomplish in my 33 years. I'm comfortable with who I've become, I'm happy with most of my decisions that have gotten me to the point where I'm at today, and I've made a life, which so far, has been fulfilling and purposeful. I'm married to the absolute love of my life who makes me a better version of myself and has the patience of saint. Mr. Allan has taught me more in the first year and a half of marriage than I ever imagined. He's my perfect partner and I love that man to pieces. I have a great family..a mom and dad who are fantastic and two sisters that I know will always be my best friends even though sometimes we cat fight and do the infamous two sisters team up on the other. I have a job that I enjoy and I think I'm good at, even though I'm sitting at my desk kicking myself that I didn't take the day off to enjoy as I look at my pile of cases on today. Overall, not to toot my own horn, but I feel pretty damn good about 33.

I'm excited to get through this work day, hopefully enjoy lunch with my sister if the aforementioned is accomplished in a timely manner, get a quick work out in since my favorite dress was fitting a little too snug for my liking this morning which sent me into a cranky little tirade, made my hair come out weird and fluffy this morning since I couldn't get over the fact that my favorite dress was snug and poor Mr. Allan was just trying to make my birthday morning great with cats meowing their birthday wishes and a cup of coffee he made with not too much creamer..just the way I like it. It's been a rough start..even now that I'm at work I unpacked leftover fruit salad..since that dress was tight!..only to discover that the fork I remembered to pack is probably sitting on the counter where I left it and of course there's not one to be found in my whole office building, so I'm eating my lovely low cal breakfast with a knife. Yup...this morning's crankiness is all because of that stupid stupid Ann Taylor dress!

But...putting my tight dress aside I'm excited to welcome in 33! I'm excited to see what this year will bring. 32 brought great things and some accomplishments..like becoming credit card debt free. I can't wait to celebrate with Mr. Allan tonight and make 33 an even more fabulous year than 32!

Kim K is getting married this weekend!

I must say...I'm kind of excited. I'm not really a huge Kardashian fan, since they're famous for what, really? Being Paris Hilton's friend? A reality star with the show that's really about nothing? But, I love me a good celebrity wedding..especially one I know I'll be able to watch on E! in a few weeks!

Kim's wax figure at Madame Tussauds got decked out for the big weekend.

The wax figure is wearing a $300,000 wedding gown and a $1 million necklace..not too shabby for a wax figure!

Seriously....

This is why you should have to pass a test or go to a class before you're allowed to bring a child into this world. A mom left her 8 month old with this 23 year baby sitter. The sitter saw that it was fit to, well...do this...

I'm glad to report that the 23 year old baby sitter as well as the drive of the truck were both arrested after Daytona Beach police received numerous 911 calls reporting the truck traveling through some of the busiest intersections in town with the baby in the bed of the truck.

Yay for great co-workers!

It's the official kick off of my birthday weekend! Today starts with an office day (woo hoo for no court!), the boss made me a chocolate banana cake, and the coolest birthday card!

Wishing a very very Happy Birthday to my Dad today!

He's reliable, dependable, smart, quiet but can sure talk when he wants to, caring, loving, admirable guy! I couldn't be blessed with a better role model!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Time for What I'm Loving Wednesday with http://www.littledaisymay.blogspot.com/!

So what am I loving this Wednesday?

I'm new to this show..I do watch a lot of crap tv and when I discover a new show it usually means the husband is away on business! But, I'm really enjoying Giuliana and Bill on the Style network!

photo from http://www.tvfanspace.com/

I'm also loving these burritos from Evol. I usually don't eat a lot of pre packaged frozen items. But, after a kind of long workout at the gym on Monday, I was beat. I needed to go grocery shopping for myself for the week, I knew laundry and hungry cats were waiting at home. I went to the frozen section to grab some Ezekial bread and saw these.

They're 70% organic and the ingredients include free range antibiotic and hormone free chicken, brown rice, hormone and RSBT free cheese, and roasted corn salsa. It's wrapped in a flour tortilla that's handmade from flour oil and salt. So, if you're going to have a frozen meal in a snap..it's not a bad choice. Check out their products at http://www.evolfoods.com/

In the Northeast, their products are sold at Wholefoods and Stop and Shop...if you're a RI'er..Dave's Marketplace carries them as well!

I'm also loving that this wretched show is over. I'm kind of suprised it lasted as long as it did...especially after the divorce played out on reality tv. I really kind of feel bad for these kids and I think their mother exploited them on reality tv for the fame and money. I'm interested to see how she can keep the fame whore act up with the show gone.

image from http://www.babble.com/

I still it think it's pretty amazing how she toted herself as a "normal" mom yet went from this and this

to this

all images from http://www.babble.com/

Speaking of reality stars....I'm also sort of loving that this old Laguna Beach/Hills MTV starlet is going to be part of the new Dancing With the Stars cast. I didn't like her on the shows (I was sooooo Team LC!) but I feel bad that her QB  fiance, Chris Cutler,  just kicked her to the curb and took her purty 5 carat ring back...especially  after this photosuit with Life and Style Magazine two days before the broken engagement.

Have a great Wednesday!

I say Sayonara!

Bout time TLC!

A rep from TLC released this statement....

"TLC has decided not to renew another season of Kate Plus 8. By the end of this season Kate Plus 8 will have hit the 150 episode mark, including Jon & Kate Plus 8; an exceptional milestone. TLC hopes to check in with Kate and the family periodically with specials in the future."

after the plastic surgery botox makeovers, the messy tabloid divorce and then the pleas that she wasn't exploiting her family through the 150 episode run of a reality show airing their dirty laundry....I'm not sad to see the Gosselin Reality TV empire on TLC come to end...kind of curious what she'll do for work though!

Love this story about Casear the dog! The Benson family was in a car accident just about a year ago, which took the lives of Gary Benson (the dad) and one of his daughters. Monica Benson was left to care for her 4 surviving children after the death of her husband and daughter. Also in the family car was Casear, the family dog. After almost a year, Casear was dropped off at an animal shelter 1500 miles from where the Benson family lives. The family that had Casear, said they could no longer care for the dog. The animal shelter scanned Casear's microchip and found the Benson family. Here's a snippet from Today about Casear's arrival back home.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I'm found out that I'm not 21 anymore...

therefore I shouldn't drink like I am! This has been the summer of gluttony for me...especially when it comes to enjoying a drink outside on the deck overlooking the pool...I don't know if I think I'm Ramona Singer from the Real Housewives of New York, but the drink of choice has been a glass of pinot grigio to salute summertime! I don't think I'm as bad as Ramona yelling and shaking for a glass as soon as I get to someone's BBQ or event, but there's been a many bottles polished off this summer...especially on vacation!

So, this past weekend I decided to mix it up a little...and this nice little liquer became the bane of my existence.

St. Germain, or also known as Elder Flower Liquer, is soooooo good. Two cocktails we loved....a shot of St. Germain, a shot of citrus vodka or regular and top with some champagne. If you only have regular vodka, then add a twist of lime, lemon, or orange...or even toss in a couple berries. If you're not feeling the vodka, you can also have equal parts St. Germain and Champagne. So good...but too many can be deadly, as I found out on Saturday morning!

The Allan's have entered into the Millenium....

because I'm pretty sure we're some of the only people out there who still have TV's that weigh a million pounds and still have a tube in them.

Not any more...thank you Massachusetts for having a tax free holiday....it doesn't look like much but makes me feel caught up with the times!

Would you give it all up for Love?

85 year old billionaire Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva is (yeah..say that name 5 times fast!).

Also known as the Duchess of Alba, the bride is giving away her estimated 850 million to 5 billion dollar estate to marry her 61 year old boyfriend. Both are pictured above.

Her 6 children are obviously not happy, even though she gifted each of them a palace before giving away the remainder of her estate. The Duchess was quoted earlier this year saying, "Alfonso doesn't want anything. All he wants is me."

True love? Would you give away money like that for love?



What I'm Loving Wednesday!

A short week for me with the lovely RI holiday of Victory Day on Monday...so Wednesday has happily creeped up on me already! Which means it's time for What I'm Loving Wednesday with Jamie from www.littledaisymay.blogspot.com!

So what am I loving this Wednesday?

I love this look from Blake Lively at the Teen Choice Awards. I'm all about orange this summer..looks great with a tan!  I found an orange dress from Ann Taylor Loft that I love and quite a few manicures and pedicures this summer have been orange as well!

I'm also loving that this tasteless show is back on....if you like the Bachelor and Bachelorette...you must be watching Bachelor Pad. This first 3 hour episode showed us just how skanky this year's crop of contestants are. And ABC...3 hours is a big time commitment! Jake and Vienna are providing some obvious drama for us!

I'm also loving this movie. Mr. Allan and I watched it last night. While I love movies...I have the attention span of a gnat. We often don't watch movies during the week because they're too long...we eat dinner so late that by the time we get around to settling in for the night it's 8:30-9pm. But, this one was only an hour and 45 minutes and pretty entertaining.

I'm also loving this game...I grabbed it last year and am addicted. Games go quick, so it's not a huge time commitment to play and people can easily join in.

Hope you have a great rest of the week and Happy Wednesday!

Seriously Arnold.....

Nice choice of work out apparel...might want to choose your T-shirts a little more wisely...I like how he was ever so thoughtful enough to correct the years at the bottom on the shirt as well.

photo courtesy of www.tmz.com

I love long holiday weekends. There's nothing better than sleeping in on a Monday morning. What holiday is it you may ask? Why it's Victory Day and RI is one of the only states that celebrates it. I give up President's Day for this holiday...but I'd rather have a Monday off in the midst of summer vs. the middle of winter.

Today, I slept in until 8:30, woke up, popped on the Today show, had a cup of coffee and sat in bed with a little cat. It looked something like this....

on the to-do list for today...sit by the pool, plan some fall trips, and maybe I'll clean the house and make Mr. Allan dinner...

Speidi makes Anderson Cooper's Ridiculist

Who knew Anderson Cooper could be so funny.....on his show the other night he bashed Speidi...the dynamic duo of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. The couple I loved to hate and roll my eyes at from the MTV show The Hills. It's a pretty funny clip reposted from http://www.perezhilton.com/

A nice little beach vacation....

Here's a snap shot of our little vacation....every July since 2001, Mr. Allan and I have gone to Martha's Vineyard...a little island off the coast of Cape Cod, MA. It started off as a camping trip with 40 of our closest friends. Every year we'd start talking about the Vineyard trip..what we'd bring for the campsite, who would have the biggest tent, the best decorations etc. While I was a trooper and did camp for 8 of the 10 years we've been going....the last 2 years we've opted to rent a house vs. the camping. Mr. Allan is a little sad about this since he enjoys drinking a Bud Light Lime while he's sweaty from setting up the tent and tarps and stringing up the lights and assembling the electric palm tree...so we try to go to the campground often and hang out with our camping friends. Me...I'm not so sad about not camping, mostly because we do hang out with all our friends....but after 2 years with 2+ more nights of rain and sleeping in a tent..I just couldn't do it anymore. Even though Mr. Allan won't admit it....renting a house is SO much easier!

so...our week in pictures!

Here's Big Blue...aka our minivan. No, we don't have any children, yes, we drive a minivan. Did I swear I would never ever ever ever drive one, yes. In my defense, it was our little inheritance from my stepdad, Steve, and I will admit...it's pretty comfortable and handy. It's our 3rd car, so I only make moonlight appearances in it. His name is Big Blue and here he is packed and loaded with goodies, mostly alcohol and beach chairs, for the Vineyard.

Me on the ferry. We drive down to Woods Hole, MA, and put Big Blue on the ferry. It's about an hour ride to get there and I'm a no business reading my paper keep your running children away from me kind of gal while on the ferry.

everyone eagerly on the front of the ferry trying to catch a glimpse of Martha's Vineyard and not getting pooped on by a seagull

Mr. Allan's obligatory seagull portrait. There's one every year.

Hanging out on the deck since land was spotted and we'd be docking soon.

Our little rental home..

The cocoon hammock was pretty comfortable!

then we went on to what we do best.... Mr. Allan on his inflatable dragon with his kindle...and me relaxing next to him

Trying to sneak up on Mr. Allan

Vineyard views...

Aquinnah Lighthouse

Wish I was walking down this today!

Happy hour and dinner on the beach in Menemsha at sunset...one of my favorite nights of the trip!

the 3H club on the ferry

photographic proof that I drive the short bus..aka Big Blue...all loaded up after a night on the town..

ahhh...I miss it already!