Best Jeans Ever - Big Star's Casey K. Low Rise Fit

I discovered Buckle jeans store in Wisconsin with the Hanus Girls - Jackie, Hallie, Lexie and Sophie - my super sweet family living on Frozen Tundra, near the best team in the whole entire world - the Green Bay Packers!  America's Team!  By the people, for the people!

Sorry, I digress.

Never mind the fact that we have our very own Buckle store in the Oglethorpe Mall - that is beside the point.  That day in Wisconsin - in that Buckle store - history was made.

I tried on at least 20 pairs of jeans (using my sharp & fast method because I am not a fan of trying on clothes ever) and knew I'd discovered pure, sweet unadulterated gold when I found Big Star brand Casey K. Low Rise Fit. 

Perfect in every way - they hugged my hips and thighs, flared out just the tiniest bit at the calf and bottom.  The shade of indigo was righteous and downright religious!  I know you understand.

If you have spent any portion of your life being thin, skinny or in need of a meal - you may not be able to relate, but for an hour-glass girl like me - constantly fighting the dreaded "apple" from taking over my top half, you can appreciate this next statement... 

 

These jeans "sat" perfectly on my waist. 

 

That sweet spot - mid-rise up the bottom of my abdomen (where nothing "muffin'd" above, nor "pooched" below when buttoned) sealed the delicious deal. 

After carrying two nearly 10 lb. boys ending in c-sections - and who am I kidding - there's that issue with living below the Mason-Dixon line that has left my middle wanting for a month with my jaw wired, hand-cuffed to Jillian Michaels. 

Back on point - Big Star's Casey K. Low Rise Fit jeans "give" when you sit down, right themselves when you stand up - there is zero stretching.  They never, ever leave me with a saggy bottom - they never let me down.  These jeans have butt-cutening ability at the highest level.

I am 37 years old - miracles CAN happen in the dressing rooms after 35!

Recently, when a friend asked about my jeans, I felt compelled to add another pair to my collection.   I was shocked and saddened to find out that Casey K's were no longer available in Big Star's collection!  After a bit of research, I learned that the Remy Collection is the replacement.  http://www.bigstarusa.com/womens/fit/bootcut-denim-1/remy-bootcut-jeans/remy.html

Do yourself a favor this fall and invest in this life changer. 

Helping hour-glass girls everywhere!  No thanks necessary.

Poor Man's PayDay

Hoping to ease the Moanday grumps at work tomorrow with this little fall treat.  A handful of this sweet & salty combination of peanuts and candy corn tastes just like a PayDay candy bar!    

This recipe is super easy to toss together and even easier to toss into your mouth! 

Ingredients:
1 bag Brach's candy corn
1 16oz jar of roasted/salted peanuts

Method:
Toss together candy corn and peanuts in a large bowl.  Pour snack into a wide-mouth jar and present to the grumpiest people in your life for an instant smile.

Fudge Babies aka Homemade Larabars

Satisfy your dark chocolate addiction with these good to you and good for you Fudge Babies! 

If you happen to be on the paleo bandwagon (which I am not, but a lot of my friends are), these Fudge Babies will fit the bill for satisfying your sweet tooth and still be admissible on your what-I-can-still-eat list. 

Moreover, they are rich with deep, dark chocolate goodness that I can only find in a mini-pot of ganache or a handful of Dove Dark Chocolates.  This method is way more healthy, and for that reason I can dismiss the guilt of eating one after another!  Win win!

Now, on to the recipe! 
Recipe courtesy of  www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com

Ingredients:
1 cup walnuts or pecans (pecans courtesy of Grandma Louise's pecan orchard - lucky me!)
1 1/3 cups of chopped dates
1 tsp vanilla extract
slightly less than 1/4 tsp salt
4 tablespoons cocoa powder

Method:
Blend all ingredients using a food processor.  Roll into little balls or press into the bottom of an 8x8 glass dish.  I highly recommend doubling the recipe!  These QUICKLY disappear - even my picky 7 year old, Miles, devoured them.  I made one batch last week and immediately had to make a second batch 15 minutes later.  

Today, I am on batch #3 and this one I doubled right off the bat. 

After all, an old mom can learn new tricks!

Gold Nuggets of Wisdom - Graduation Gift

Everyone loves those Youmans' girls.

 

Recently, when Miss Rockstar Athlete and girl-next-door beauty, Aby Youmans, graduated from high school, I had the honor of attending her graduation party.

 

(Begin Harlem Shake music intro!) 

Instead of giving her a stack of cash, I found a more creative idea on Pinterest! 

Where else?

 

 

 

It's pretty easy - here is the side view ...

(Pay no attention to the chipped red nail polish on the thumb nail.) 



 

 I used:

1 bag of Hershey's Nuggets

1 empty strawberry container

Ribbon

Dollar bills

Handmade inspirational quotes gift tag

 

Method:

Fold dollar bills into thirds lengthwise, then in thirds again to make short enough to wrap around the nuggets. secure with tape.

 

Pack your dollar bill wrapped nuggets into the container snugly and close lid. 

 

Tie with a fun, grosgrain ribbon. 

 

Add a few inspirational quotes.

 

Here is what my tag included:

 

Gold Nuggets of Wisdom -

A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.  – Eleanor Roosevelt

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.   – Anonymous

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge; it is a lack of will.   – Vince Lombardi

The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.  – Steve Jobs

Congratulations on your hard work!
Onward & upward, aby!

 



 Here's a little bit of graduation party eye candy:

 

Frito & Corn Salad

Disclaimer:  Think of this as a savory, crunchy, people-pleasing sort of side.  A healthy salad, it is not. 

Warning: Other people's children (OPC) may invite you to move into their homes to live and cook after tasting this recipe. (Husbands, however, tend to be a bit more conservative when smartly requesting only for the recipe.) 

Serves 8*
Ingredients:
2 (15 ounce) cans sweet corn, drained

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese                                                   

1 cup mayonaise (I used Hellman's)                     

1 cup green pepper, finely chopped                                                   

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped                         

1 (10 1/2 ounce) bag coarsely crushed Fritos chili cheese corn chips                             

Directions:
Mix first 5 ingredients and chill. Stir in corn chips just before serving in a big, shiny trifle dish.

*I highly recommend doubling this recipe. 

Little Old Men Make the Best Coffee...

I've always had a little old man or two in my life.  They just flock to me for some reason. 

I think it is my fabulous bouffant hair - it reminds them of the beehive'd women of the 1960's.

Older men always bear gifts.  God bless 'em!

Whether it is a compliment such as "I just like to see you smile" or "you're always so pretty" or the gift of three daily double-expressos made my favorite way with French vanilla creamer, along with a cup of ice for my Tervis Tumbler - always delivered to my desk with a hopeful smile... older men just appreciate women and want to impress.  Older men never come empty handed.

Comparing older men to men around my age has given me insight into appreciating the past:

Older men are like antique furniture - prized and appreciated for their character.
Older men are more cultured, classy.
Older men open doors, practicing the lost art of chivalry.
Older men are well traveled and know the finest places to stay, to eat, to visit.

Whether these older men were born into a different era, taught to appreciate and protect women - or perhaps these men have been fastidiously whipped into shape over time by their mothers and later their wives - whatever the reason, women my age everywhere are benefitting from their kindness and grace, their class and charm - and their thrice-daily-delivered expressos with French vanilla creamer!  

Take note you selfish twenty-somethings, boring thirty-somethings, you tired forty-somethings!

Men in their sixties and seventies are showing you up!

Taking away your thunder! 

Now who's looking OLD?  

Live on, little old men!  You are making us neglected ladies feel FABULOUS!

Easy Peasy Chicken Pot Pie

Boxes and boxes of pie crusts are what's left in my refrigerator after last week's Valentine's Day fortune cookie baking.  What does one do with leftover boxes of pie crusts?  Make lots of chicken pot pies, of course! 

Here is an easy one that I made today.

Keep in mind that my children's repertoire of vegetables is quite limited.  Carrots, butter beans and green beans are about the extent of their refined palates.

Easy Peasy Chicken Pie

1/2 stick butter
1/3 cup of flour
3/4 can of chicken broth (which is about 1 3/4 cups)
2/3 cup 2% milk
4 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
Vegetables: sauteed onions, peas, butter beans, carrots, potatoes, etc.
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 - 1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1/4 tsp tarragon
1 box (containing two 9 inch) refrigerated pie crusts
Extra flour for rolling
Egg for glazing

On medium heat, melt butter in skillet.  Sprinkle the flour, salt and pepper over the melted butter and  whisk until roux forms.  Add in chicken broth and tarragon, whisk for about 2 minutes until the flour taste is gone and the sauce has thickened.  Add in milk and continue to whisk for a few minutes.  Pull off heat and add in cooked chicken and sauteed vegetables. I had some butter beans in the frig from last night - so I tossed those in with my chicken, along with some carrots and crossed my fingers. 

Roll out one of the crusts and carefully lay into the bottom of your pre-greased pie dish.

Pour your filling over bottom crust.

Roll out remaining pie crust, lay on top of filling and begin tucking and pinching edges.  Make sure that all of the edges have been pinched closed so that the luscious filling stays inside. 

 

 

Crack open 1 egg and mix with a tablespoon of water - brush over top of pie and edges to make a shiny glaze.  (You will have some egg leftover.) Vent the top of the pie - this prevents explosion and necessary oven cleaning - which we do not want to tackle today. 

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes on 425 degrees. 

Revel in that Martha-esq feeling.