Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Who Have You Hugged Today?

Most of you probably know that October is breast cancer awareness month. Now, I know it's not October yet, but it's pretty darn close, and I think this post is deservedly a bit early.

Tricked-Out Brownies: When You Need Yum Quick

I sincerely wish I were one of those people who liked when life threw her curve balls. You know the type--they relish the volatility of the everyday and meet the various and sundry obstacles they encounter with this superhuman optimism that makes the rest of us want to steal their cookies. Or maybe that's just me.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, the road of life has been decidedly bumpy this week. Remember back when Charlie had his knee surgery and I made those awesome Chocolate Revel Bars as a get well soon treat? Well, regardless of how undoubtedly delicious those bars were, it seems that they weren't powerful enough to guarantee a quick and easy recovery...

Dinner on a Budget: Lasagna with Turkey Meat Sauce

Well, I've officially been living in my new apartment for a week, and things are starting to get easier. I've figured out which subway lines will get me to the office fastest in the morning, which grocery stores have the best prices for produce, and which pizzerias I do not want to frequent. All important knowledge to have!

One of the things that's been surprisingly overwhelming for me has been figuring out how to plan weekday meals that are affordable and (somewhat) healthy. You'd think I'd relish the endless opportunities, right?

Where Have I Been?

Wow, Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Seriously? It's officially fall now?


Well, that's okay, I guess. But only because it means stores have started stocking candy corn. Have I mentioned that I have an unhealthy obsession with candy corn? Yeah, there's that.

I have been way, way behind on everything in my Google Reader these past few days, and Tweeting? Fuhgeddaboudit. Know why?

I moved!

Funfetti Pancakes, aka Hurricane Comfort Food

How are all the rest of you on the East Coast holding up after Hurricane Irene? I know there was a variety of different effects depending on what region people found themselves in. I was lucky enough to be in a mostly unaffected area--we got a ton of rain and wind, but because my house is on a hill, we didn't get any flooding. There were a lot of leaves and twigs to be raked up on Sunday afternoon, but no damage to the house or cars or anything, thank goodness. I know we're among the lucky ones!

Perhaps you found yourself cooped up inside as a result of our dear friend Irene--whether in anticipation of her coming, during the storm itself, or in the aftermath of the cleanup. Whenever I find myself housebound and stir-crazy, I crave the mother of all comfort foods: pancakes.

Chocolate Revel Bars: Get Well Soon!

So, remember when Charlie left for Africa a-way back at the end of June?

Well, he's back. Yay! However, there is a not-yay part.

Back in the spring, he tore his ACL and his meniscus (in a dancing competition...on a cruise ship...trust me, the story is as good as it sounds) but it went undiagnosed until right before he left for Africa. You'd think that couldn't happen, right? That doctors with medical degrees couldn't miss something like that? Yeah, I'm with you on that. But anyway, by the time they figured out that significant connective tissues were separating, he was already so close to leaving that the surgery had to be scheduled for when he returned. Welcome home...now let us cut you open.

Williams Sonoma Cupcake Mixes: Reviewed

Photo courtesy of metrolic.com

What are the first things that come to mind when you think about the UK?

Tea and crumpets? Big Ben? Prince William?

All fine answers. Now, your list probably doesn't include cupcakes. It's okay; I understand, really. But if you've been reading this blog for any appreciable length of time, you'll know that my sisters and I have a deep affinity for these darlings of the baked good world, and we manage to find a way to work them into any occasion, if not all.

So what was the most recent of these occasions?

Well, my dear Middle Chip has decided to spend her fall semester abroad in jolly ol' England. She departs in just under three weeks--I can't believe it! And so this weekend, we had all of our extended family and friends over for a UK-themed Bon Voyage party. It was, to quote the lovely Julie Andrews, "practically perfect in every way."