Attention Shoppers…

… you get “nice Amy” for about an hour. Give or take 15 minutes.

After that?

Watch out.

After deciding to skip out on all the Black Friday “fun”, Mon and I realized Christmas was coming no matter what and it was time to put a dent in our shopping lists.

Teaming up also made us feel a little less terrified.

Because let’s face it- malls are no joke at this time of year. Even the desire for a pretzel is going to cost you 10-15 minutes in line. And time is money, people!

So on my last day of Thanksgiving break, I woke up bright and early thanks to the ol’ alarm clock and was off to Woodfield Mall just outside of the city to meet up with Mon as soon as the doors opened.

We snagged a few deals. Dodged and swerved around the crowds. Laughed in sympathy for the parents in line to see Santa Clause with their crying babies (yes- laughing in sympathy is a real emotion).

Shopping really is a cardio workout. And if you saw our haul, it would be called strength training as well.

There was also recharging to be done at the Nordstrom Cafe. Both mentally and physically.

Mentally may have included crayons and puzzles they leave out for the kids.After three hours of shopping, the maze is WAY harder than you’d think.

Stop laughing. Mazes use the side of my brain that lags a little behind.

I’m also bad at giving/receiving driving directions. Let’s just blame it on being a girl.

We also fueled up as to not require a hoveround for the rest of the trip.My soup kick continues full speed ahead with broccoli cheddar. The weather is chilly. The soup is warm. Sensible.

Mon went for shrimp salad.

We chowed. Because shopping was exhausting.

And now I have this to deal with:Gift wrapping and a tree ready to burst out of the box. Not sure what the random shoe and my clutch is doing over there. Clearly they wanted in on the holiday party.

The tree isn’t going up for a little while longer. The roomie and I are putting it up together and both agree we’re not ready for it just yet.

Maybe after all the digesting of Thanksgiving food is said and done.

Which could take a while. I had a lot of pie…

Good grief, I love pie.

And holiday baking.

Just thinking about Baking Extravaganza 2010 gets me all jittery with excitement.

Because Christmas cookies? They are fantastic.

I know you agree.

So surely you’d want to join in on a little baking fun, right?

Right.

Jess and I both agreed- it’s time for the Holiday Edition of the Blogger Sweet Swap! So pull out the best of the best of your Holiday Favorites and let us know you’d like to join in on the fun!

Rules:

1. Each participant should send approximately a dozen of whatever treat they choose to make. (12 cookies, brownie pan to serve 12, etc). Of course, you are allowed to send more, but please keep the minimal to 12.

2. Pairs will be finalized and notified by next week Monday or Tuesday and the delicious treats should be shipped by December 12th or 13th. We just ask that you be respectful of others and try to get them out before, or as close to that date as possible.

3. Tell Amy & Jess how much you love them for organizing this fantastic operation. This one is optional, but strongly encouraged.

*Disclaimer- the organizers of this bake swap are merely responsible for matching the participants, and are not responsible for the items shipped.

So if you’re interested in joining in, email me  (secondcityrandomness@gmail.com) or Jessica (ssh.jessica@gmail.com)  before Friday, December 2nd so we can get you on the list to be partnered up!

And with that, I shall let you go on your way. Have a good one!

Round Two!

As craptastic as Tuesday was (yes, that’s a dog poo joke), it did eventually get better.

Or at least for a day in the middle of the week.

There are relatively low expectations for when it comes to what defines an awesome work day.

Like free lunch when my own was being held hostage all perfectly packed in my refrigerator at home.Yes. I took this from the catered spread we had for meetings in my office that didn’t include me.

A girl’s gotta eat. So it’s convenient I help organize the meetings. And make sure there’s extra food ordered. Just in case.

Even went back for another cookie. Whoops.

Hence the urge to get in some serious cardio at the gym.

Running wasn’t originally on the agenda. To be totally honest, I really only prefer to run every other day. It’s my sport of choice, but I’ll still get bored if it’s a daily habit. Initially, I posted up on the stairmill for 20 minutes and the elliptical for 17.  Both ideally placed by the front door. It’s easier to people watch that way. Good stuff.

However, I have a short attention span (see my choice to do the random “17″ on the elliptical). And I can’t commit to a plan. So I ended up on the treadmill to squeeze in another mile before leaving.

Sigh. It’s an addiction.

In other news, fall is officially here, kids.

You know what that means, right?

Other than football and the excitement for what baseball teams will make the playoffs (come on Cards… you’re really killing me here!)…?

It’s time for our second Blogger Sweet Swap!

That’s right. Get excited. Because Jess and I are at it again. This time the theme is “Fall Follies”. Kinda like the theme of those corny junior high dances you used to go to. But with better food and less awkward slow dancing. Obviously.

And we want you to join! Dust off that can of pumpkin. Break out the maple syrup. Do what you’ve got to do to come up with the best ever fall-themed baked goods out there!

You know you want to.

So without further ado, here are the rules for your reading pleasure:

Rules:

1. Each participant should send approximately a dozen of whatever treat they choose to make. (12 cookies, brownie pan to serve 12, etc). Of course, you are allowed to send more, but please keep the minimal to 12.

2. Pairs will be finalized and notified by October 6th and the delicious treats should be shipped by October 17th. We just ask that you be respectful of others and try to get them out before, or as close to that date as possible.

3. Tell Amy & Jess how much you love them for organizing this fantastic operation. (this one is optional…)

*Disclaimer- the organizers of this bake swap are merely responsible for matching the participants, and are not responsible for the items shipped.

So if you’re interested in joining in, email me  (secondcityrandomness@gmail.com) or Jessica (ssh.jessica@gmail.com)  before OCTOBER 4th so we can get you on the list to be partnered up!

If you participated in the first round or have contacted one of us since then, we’ll be emailing you to confirm your participation again, so no worries! However, if you haven’t yet, that’s when we’d like to hear from you!

And with that, I shall let you go on your way. Have a good one!

Twice Baked

Hey kids!

So you really liked the shoes, huh?

I’ll let you in on a secret. They’re Rampage brand and I got them at TJ Maxx for $16.99. And yes, they were comfortable. Best deal ever.

Also, the sweet potato tortilla chips are from Trader Joe’s. I found them in the new items section. So uh…. I assume they’re relatively new.

As mentioned yesterday, the lovely Miss Mary came to stay with me over the weekend and we spent a lot of time out and about in this grand city of mine.

Yes, it’s mine. Like I own it.  What?

But given my history of baking for friends,  you don’t really think I’d let her come stay with me for a few days without actually making her something that requires more effort than the assembly of a sandwich, did you? Of course you didn’t.

As much as I love getting home a little bit earlier in the day than most, I consistently complain about how getting to work at 7:30 in the morning is ruining me.

Normally, this isn’t a pain or issue for anyone else. Just me.

But when my friend crashes at my place? I don’t think she’d appreciate me acting like a 5-year-old and jumping on the bed until she gets up to come out and play at 7:00 in the morning. She’s the girl who can take a sudafed and sleep over 12 hours straight (yes, I’ve witnessed it). She had been traveling/working all week. This time, I was gonna let her wakeup on her own.

So I tiptoed downstairs and tried to entertain myself. Checked emails. Watched tv quietly. And baked for breakfast.Obviously the coffee pot would be on in the background. This is MY house we’re talking about…

No need to make a huge production- she’s not the biggest breakfast person (I’m becoming painfully aware I’m in the minority on this one). But still- something nice to have on hand for quick eats.

So I went for oatmeal walnut muffins that I altered from this recipe.

Or, in other words, I used a whole cup of walnuts versus all the other things thrown in (I’ll throw out a huge “dislike” when it comes to raisins and dates, thanks).

And then it got a little crazy and I decided to throw in sprinkles.Why not? Who doesn’t love sprinkles?Preeettttyyyyy…

With cream cheese, this was a perfect way to start the day.And THEN, later in the day as we were making lunch (ahem- assembling more sandwiches), a package arrived at my door.Perfect timing.

For the Blogger Baking Swap, Rachel and I had been paired up!

As mentioned earlier, the theme was “favorites” and I sent her scotcheroos- something I make often as my “go-to” and is a favorite of mine since the days of sleepovers in junior high.

So you can imagine my surprise when she sent something similar- salted brown butter rice krispie treats!

Mary and I both wondered how much different it would be than the original rice krispie treat.I will never eat the regular kind again. Truth.

The flavor in these (check out the specks of burnt butter) makes the original seem so bland in comparison. They’re just sweet enough, but not overbearing.

And it’s easy to consume multiples without feeling bad about it. More truth coming at ya.

Because they came right before we left for our Wrigleyville shenanigans, I seriously contemplated taking a packet of them with me to the bars.

But then decided to keep them at home- no way I was letting the possibility of strangers consuming my rice krispie treats happen.

What?

Don’t look at me like that. They were a gift…

Fresh From The Ground

Hey there!

Glad to hear I got a few laughs over my hellish adventures of gym shopping.

Not being one to judge solely on first impressions, I do plan to stick out a week of working out there to try it out. But I promise you, there are a few more places on my list (thanks in part to some of the awesome Chicago kids!) to check out before deciding what my next move will be.

Fine, I actually do judge heavily on first impressions and I’m only giving it a second go around because they’re one of the cheaper options out there.

The honest truth. It hurts.

So back I went last night. And the roomie joined. I was truly looking forward to her opinion. Because she just wants a little activity in her life. No specific goals (that they badgered me for). Just a little more energy.

The second time back? They loosened up. A lot. I still avoid eye contact. And the weights area is still a bit overwhelming- I’m not a huge fan of doing weights anyway (why do you think I insist on using dvds to do them at all?). I’m rather self-conscious about it when it’s crowded and people are hanging out waiting for you to get done.

Not ideal. Strike 2.

I got home and comforted myself with food from the ‘rents.Mutant zucchini! I often question if their garden is on top of a nuclear reactor site that I’m unaware of. It may also explain the above average heights of some of my family… .(i.e. my brother being 6’7). And possibly the reason that I’m a little spazztastic every once in a while?

I’ll keep researching…

Anyway, when they offered to bring up some stuff during their visit, I said YES. This saved me from a trip to Trader Joe’s for the week. Holla’.

My favorite seems to be the zucchini and potatoes. I’ve been inhaling them this week on the regular.I like plain sweet potatoes, but white potatoes should never be consumed naked.

The potato… not you. You can wear or not wear whatever you like when dining in. No judgement.

Just remember, if it’s a hot meal, guard yourself. This has been your public safety announcement for the day. You’re welcome.

There happened to be a little cheddar and sour cream laying around, and it was used and topped with some paprika. This made it tasty, because I’m just awful at preparing regular potatoes. Even in the microwave. Like this one was. I ALWAYS screw it up. At least a little.

This one just had a teeny tiny section that didn’t seem cooked the whole way through. Yeah. I know. How hard is it to screw up a potato? I suck.

At least there’s one thing I don’t screw up. Usually.

That would be baking. And I’m just going to take advantage of that awesome transition to let you know there’s still time to sign up for the Blogger Bake Swap!  Jessica and I are still taking emails (if you want to do it, we NEED you to contact us!) until FRIDAY if you want to participate. So if you’re interested, you can read more HERE and shoot one of us an email!

Have a good one, kids!

Near and Dear

There are a few things in my life that are important to me.

Other than the obvious of friends and family (duh), I have a few hobbies that often classify me as a nerd or crazy.  Sometimes both at the same time.

Like my running?

Well.

“Wait… so you pay to run?”

“Does running miles on end sound like fun to you?”

“Running’s not a real sport.”

Yes. Often, yes. And you’re wrong.

Easy answers.

Luckily, some of my friends do get it. I have two guy friends I run with regularly. My friend Mon cranks out 6-milers on her treadmill all the time. My friend Annie started doing races with me last year.

And Annie is a passionate girl. When it comes to fitness, work and her community. So when she got the chance to combine all three?If you’re in the Chicago area or Northwest suburbs, definitely check it out! She’s done an amazing job at getting it all together and all the proceeds go to Make a Wish Foundation!

A few of us girls who are running it are using it as an excuse to wear tiaras.

As if I REALLY needed an excuse…

Another near and dear hobby I totally geek out about?

Baking.

“How do you not weigh a thousand pounds with as much as you bake?”

“I thought you were a healthy eater?”

“There are so many calories in that- I could never eat it.”

Moderation. Moderation. That’s too bad.

What can I say? The majority of us find comfort in food. And there’s something about the process of baking that relaxes me. Possibly the promise of delicious treats at the end.

And when I use the term “treats”, it’s really because I’m obsessed with Dane Cook and his sketch about treats at the movies.

He’s also very near and dear to my heart, by the way…

Anyway, that lil’ swap I did with Jessica was fun because it gave me an excuse to break out the mixer and preheat the oven to 350. And as we were chatting it up about how good of an idea it was, we decided maybe to do it again.

But with more people.

Why not?

So… without further ado… we bring you the Blogger Bake Swap!

Jess and I are really excited about doing this because, well, we like to bake and we like to eat baked things. But also because it’s a way for some peeps to connect to others you’ve already known for ages across this community.  If there’s enough interest, we’d like to make the swap into a seasonal thing.

For the inaugural swap, we’re going with a theme of “Favorites”. That means you’re going to be sending one of your favorite baked items to the person you are matched with (make sure to save one or two servings for yourself, of course).

Rules:

1. Each participant should send approximately a dozen of whatever treat they choose to make. (12 cookies, brownie pan to serve 12, etc). Of course, you are allowed to send more, but please keep the minimal to 12.

2. The date of which each baked good should be shipped will be announced once our pairs are finalized, and we just ask that you be respectful of others and try to get them out before, or as close to that date as possible.

3. Tell Amy & Jess how much you love them for organizing this fantastic operation. (this one is optional…)

*Disclaimer- the organizers of this bake swap are merely responsible for for matching the participants, and are not responsible for the items shipped.

So if you’re interested in joining in, email me  (secondcityrandomness@gmail.com) or Jessica (ssh.jessica@gmail.com) so we can get you on the list to be partnered up!

Alright, enough talk. Let’s get Friday out of the way.

Because seriously… my family is coming in for the weekend (another near and dear) and I’m very excited to show them my new place and take them out for a lil’ tour of my surroundings!

Yay for the weekend!