Unreal candy

My latest bzzagent campaign is Unreal Candy!

For junk food this stuff is pretty darn tasty. The trade mark "Unjunked" is really just what it says, no artificial anything, no corn syrup, and no hydrogenated oils. Although I am diabetic, so I didn't eat much, I can say that what I tasted what really good, and I wouldn't feel guilty sharing!

I try to stay away from chemicals as much as possible, now there is a treat out there that doesn't break the bank nor my health!

Buckeye Nation

Living in the Buckeye Nation is unique to say the least.  Over the years I have noticed a few things that set us aside or maybe are just out of the norm for those not living in a college football town. 

For example, when approaching another fan, and you will know them because no self respecting fan would be caught dead without their Scarlet and Grey on during the football season,  you do not simply say hello, the greeting is “O-H and they respond I-O.” Now, this O-H-I-O can be shouted for several reasons actually.  We shout it to show team spirit or it can mean Go Team, or great job.  You can also use this “call” to find other fans.  A great example, last fall we were watching the game out on my cousin’s deck, it was a warm night and we were grilling. The Buckeyes had made a great play, someone in our group yelled  O-H and we then heard a faint I-O from a neighbor.  This went on for the rest of the night!  We had found our people!

Something else I feel we excel at here in Ohio is the tailgate/football party.  Football and food seem to go hand and hand around here.  During the week at work, there are a lot of conversations’ around going to watch the game somewhere and what we are making to share.  We always have the standard brats, deviled eggs, meat and cheese trays as well as wings and dips. But my favorite and I think the most “Ohio” food is the buckeye.  Now a real buckeye is a poisonous tree nut, not to be eaten at all.  But the candy version is a yummy peanut butter center dipped in chocolate, made to mimic the actually nut that is dark brown with a light brown circle on one end. 

Not everyone shares the love when it comes to football season in Central Ohio, but those that do, do it well!

Kroger family game night

My latest buzz campaign was Kroger family game night!  It was pretty fun for one and all.  We had all Kroger brand snacks, like pizza, Popsicle and chips.  We played some cards and noshed the night away! The snacks were tasty and honestly I couldn't tell the difference from the name brand items!

I highly recomend Kroger brand foods!

Cycling

I'm riding in Pelotonia… A ride to raise money for cancer research.  I have a lot of time to think while riding, and the thought came to me  this weekend that although I do ride with a team it feels pretty solo while out there.

I ride with Team Huntington, one team, one goal.. end cancer.  But, and maybe this is me, I don't feel a part of a team. Heck, I really don't feel like a cyclist either.  

We meet up, we set out on a predetermined path and then go.  Those who go faster will stop at the designated stops and wait.  Those of us who are slower meet them, we chat a minute and head out.  So yes, there is a team aspect, but it really doesn't feel so much like a team sport. 

During my rides, it's me, my thoughts, and depending on how I feel, my doubts.    This past Sunday during my 3 hour ride, my thoughts centered around the dichotomy of riding in a Peloton and yet feeling very alone.  I'm not sure that alone is the right feeling I want to convey, I wasn't sad or anything, it just struck me at that moment that I don't feel like a part of a team. I feel like someone out for a ride that meets up with folks along the way. 

While thinking on this topic, it struck me that I won't  see myself as part of this team because I don't like the idea of depending on others, or most importantly holding others back.  I ride at my pace, I am comfortable with that, I know I will get to the end in my time.  When I feel like someone is waiting on me, or I am slowing the pack down, I get stressed and try to go faster, in this case I burn out way before I should and then the ride loses its purpose for me.
So, I will ride as a solo rider in a field of 6000 and have to be ok with that.  

Batik

Batik:


A method of dyeing a fabric by which the parts of the fabric not intended to be dyed are covered with removable wax


While on pinterest the other day I saw a technique of batik using blue elmer's glue!

I started at Target and purchased a white 100% cotton T-shirt to dye.  The glue actually took 3 stores, but I did find it a Joann’s where I also purchased the RIT dye.

1. 1.       First step is to find a place to lay the shirt out that will not be disturbed for a few hours.
2. 2.       Create or find something to put between the layers of fabric if you are doing a shirt or skirt.  I used a    plastic tote lid for my shirt.
3. 3.       Wet the material and slide the protector between the layers and smooth out.
4. 4.       Create your design. I went with large and simple for a first attempt.
5. 5.       Let dry for several hours.
6. 6.       In a large container, I used a large stock pot. Mix 1 bottle of RIT liquid dye with 1 cup salt, stir to dissolve.
7. 7.      submerge the dried shirt into the dye and stir often. I left mine in for 1 hour, longer for a darker color.
8. 8.       Once done, rinse in the sink with some dish soap to wash out the glue, then wash on cold in the washer.
9. 9.       I hung mine to dry! Pics to follow!!!

Pork

<img src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/porkInspired.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=0107056774&Campaign=5469470870&Uid=298519&token=91db5bde402def5d95545b50d394d8b0" alt=""/>

I had a new bzzagent campaign this month..... Pork!

I bought 4 large center cut chops and brined them in water, cider vinegar and salt.  I let them brine overnight for maximum flavor.  The next day I grilled them up, and let me tell you., juicy, tender and yummy!  I love pork and to find that it is a pretty healthy meat option is better!

Rainbow Cake

My little niece asked for a rainbow cake for her birthday.  Yes it was that simple, what can I say.. I'm soft when it comes to the little people in my life....!

I had read a few ideas of how to accomplish this, and set about!  It was pretty simple. I used one white cake mix, seperated into 5 equal bowls and colored.  I then baked one color at a time in a 9" cake pan.  It took about 11 minutes per layer.  I used butter cream frosting!

Next time, I will use more than one mix to make the layers a bit thicker.  I felt it had a little to much frosting.  But other than that I am happy.... but most importantly of all.... she was happy!