Almost Two Weeks into 2012

We're over a week into 2012 and I have yet to post a single blog entry.  Sad?  Kind of.  All types of things are in the works.  For instance, we're knee deep into Twink's gymnastics competition season which will run through the end of February and began in December. 

Here are a few photos of her from her last competition.  In the first, she gets AIR on the balance beam.  She landed that jump but unfortunately fell off the beam twice during her scored competition.   In the second, she is proudly presenting in third place for her vault performance.  She did so well!!  

Although there were no State qualifying scores this weekend or in any of her previous meets, she still has two left in which to score in order to qualify for the State competition at the end of February.  Last week she was short by .9 and the week before by .6.  So close! If she doesn't get the scores, no worries; there is always next year! 

I am thankful for her learning the sport of gymnastics - safely and becoming more and more confident in her skills with each practice and competition.  I am thankful for her coaches who take the time to teach the girls proper techniques so they learn at their own pace and progress well without pushing them past the breaking point.  They teach so the girls love it, not so they'll be burnt out in 3 years of competition.  Although, she could use a little push on her bars skills! 

Wrapping Up 2011 Red Hot Trends from Betty Crocker

	Trend: Double Desserts Taking two desserts and mixing and mashing them together is one of our favorite trends. Things like pie shakes, cookie stuffed cookies, and pie-filled cupcakes deliver a whole new kind of delicious. It’s a 1+1=3 kind of thing. Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies Pie, meet cookie. Cookie, say hello to pie. When two all-time favorites come together, you get Pumpkin Pie Cookies, the star at your next holiday cookie exchange.
	Trend: Boozy Baking From booze cakes to cocktail pies, bakers everywhere are bringing the bar into the kitchen. A titch of tequila or a skosh of scotch whiskey adds a serious shot of fun and flavor for the over 21 crowd. We’re loving these boozy baked goods! Recipe: Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes Taste for yourself what the buzz is all about! A bit of bourbon, a hit of coffee liqueur and some vanilla vodka-spiked frosting make these sophisticated chocolate cupcakes the ultimate “holiday helpers.”
	Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun. Traditional baked goods are being transformed with bright colors and playful flavors. With a little creativity and imagination, no one can resist this happy, fun food! Recipe: Cake Batter Cookie Stackers Take sugar cookies to a whole new level of delicious! Kids and adults will love these cake batter flavored cookies with colorful frosting, and lots of sprinkles! Stack ‘em up and watch ‘em go.
	Trend: From Cave to Kitchen Forget the man cave. Today guys are in the kitchen making (or at least appreciating) really good food. Big food. Really good, big food that’s stacked and stuffed with the flavors they can’t resist. Recipe: Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich Here’s a new take on chicken ‘n’ waffles - made better with beer, bacon, and bourbon. It’s the ultimate manly man meal.
	Trend: Skinny Cocktails Here’s the skinny! Drinking high-calorie cocktails is so last year. The modern mixologist is shaking things up with light & flavorful cocktails. Recipe: Skinny Clementine Martini Add some clever sparkle to your next party. Enjoy these natural, light martinis made with fresh juice, high-quality liquor, and a splash of club soda. Lower calorie cocktails never tasted, or looked, so sweet. Cheers!
	Trend: Better Than Bought From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity. Recipe: Cajeta Caramel Fudge Create the perfect combination of flavor and crunch with this homemade candy. Rich chocolate fudge layered with cajeta caramel, cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt—a recipe to impress.
	Trend: Veggie Love Once just tolerated, vegetables are now celebrated. Omnivores and herbivores alike have discovered that veggies offer variety and great taste, and are feeling the love. Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus Hummus with fresh sweet potato packs even more plant power. Add a delicious blend of smoked paprika, coriander, and cumin to make this flavorful dip.
	Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly Allergen-friendly foods may be free from things like nuts, dairy and eggs, but shouldn’t be free from flavor. Thankfully, we’re seeing new foods and recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone – whether you’re allergy-sensitive or not. Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this moist and delicious pumpkin bread. Made with no nuts, no dairy, no eggs, and no gluten - no kidding!
	Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G Man’s best friend deserves man’s best effort. That’s why making your own dog food is one of the latest canine crazes! This year, homemade dog treats are at the top of fido’s list. Recipe: Dog Bark This treat will make your dog sit up and beg for more. Make the bark by melting carob chips and peanut butter then top with your dog’s favorite ingredients – bacon and cheese. Bow WOW!
	Trend: Food Craft The kitchen is the new craft room. With food as their medium, clever cooks are making amazing edible food crafts that are as good to look at as they are to eat. Recipe: Chocolate Coal Lumps Naughty or nice, everyone will love these easy cho-coal-late treats. Cocoa Puffs® cereal dipped in melted chocolate and marshmallows create these tasty stocking stuffers.  Did you notice any of these trends over your Holiday get togethers in 2011?  Is there anything here that you'd like to try to next year??  I think I may try some before the next holiday season.  Seems too far away! You know, the SUPER BOWL is coming up!! NOTE:  All of the recipes and trends on this post were provided by Betty Crocker by way of MyBlogSpark!

Released TODAY! Karma Kameleon by Stephanie Haefner

From the publisher:

Karma is back, but this time she’s not completely to blame.

After surviving a heart- wrenching tragedy, Lexi Marshall is determined to find happiness with her wacky, new-age family. Stumbling through her first few months of motherhood, she's achieved the perfect balance living with her son, the love of her life, and her best friend and his lover. But happily-ever-after all under the same roof doesn't last long.

For one thing, Rich doesn’t exactly agree living with everyone is ideal. With their gay/straight double wedding fast approaching, he wants to find a place of their own instead of continuing to sponge off of Marcus and Kevin. But Lexi isn’t ready to give up her easy lifestyle...or the never-ending wisdom of her lifelong best friend, Marcus.

Torn between assured comfort and true happiness, Lexi has to make a choice, and fast. Will she lose everything, or can she trust karma, and have it all?

WARNING: Title contains some explicit sexual scenes and strong language.

Last week, I took some time to myself and read Stephanie Haefner's Karma Kameleon.  Kara Kameleon is the sequel to her 2010 release, A Bitch Named Karma. 

Meeting the main character, Lexi, again was fun!  Since it had been a bit since I read the first book, it took me a while to reacquaint myself with all of the lead characters.  Once I did, though, I was hooked.  I needed to keep reading to find out where our heroine would wind up in the end: with her Prince Charming and her baby boy or all alone because of Karma?  Get your copy today to find out!! 

This was an enjoyable page turner for me! I hope you enjoy it too!