Yoga with Rodney Yee (and Tracy)

Tonight I tried out one of Tracy's yoga videos. I have been doing some different videos and decided to shake things up tonight and try out Rodney Yee's yoga video. Because Tracy is sick she just sat on the couch doing homework while I did yoga. It works out pretty well having her sitting there because points out things I miss, like "oh, flex your foot, that's what Rodney's doing". She's a handy yoga coach. Except when she is reduced to giggles at the sight of Rodney Yee's, ah, well, thingy. Rodney doesn't wear much in his videos. Let me illustrate:Yup, that's it. So there I am trying to be relaxed and peaceful but keep getting interrupted by Tracy giggling and then saying something like "on the balls of your feet, hahaha, balls!" or making comments like "he should really invest in a codpiece". Oh, it was relaxing! Just thought I'd let you know what kind of whack job I'm living with. Ha!
She's still giggling...maybe it wasn't really Rodney Yee..maybe it was the Buckely's she's been chugging back. No. No, it can't be the Buckley's, I think it's just her.

Corndogs.

My mom has NEVER bought corn dogs for me or my brothers. I had never eaten one until I was about 15 or 16. I didn't like them and I don't like them. Tracy and I made 36 corn dogs last night. They were mini, but there was still 36 of them. It all happened because I was doing my daily blog watch when I happened upon someone who had made homemade corn dogs. I mentioned it casually to Tracy's sons who were in the living room with me, they immediately asked to have them for supper. Now, it may seem to some people that making 36 corn dogs is kinda like slave labour...especially for two ungrateful whelps...but I have to say I quite enjoyed it. I miss cooking for more than two people...I miss cooking for my family. Okay, back to corn dogs. They turned out great, well, as great a hot dog dipped in cornbread batter and fried tastes. I thought they were really cute....especially with a squiggle of heart shaped ketchup:

And of course I had to try one....

..and now that I've done it I won't ever have to eat one again!

It's spring, gosh darn it!

So why is there ice on the trees!?!?!?
I find these first few weeks of March to be some of the toughest in the year. Even though spring doesn't technically start till March 21st as soon as March 1st hits winter is over for me...even if there is a -18 windchill!

It's is kinda gorgeous though, isn't it?

Cupcakes are SO fun...and purty!

Tracy's sons are over for the week while on spring break and we have been enjoying having the testosterone....for the most part! We decided we'd make cupcakes at some point during the week because, while we probably could eat 16 cupcakes between the two of us we thought it safer to make them with two boys around to eat them up. So, tonight we tackled the cupcakes and wow are they ever gorgeous.

Here's what we started with:

And look what we created:

I love it! And while there was so moaning and groaning from the guys about decorating cupcakes I'm pretty sure they had a good time, I mean really, who doesn't like decorating cupcakes!

I can't wait for the St. Patty's Day Shamrock cookies!

How you know you have the best roommate ever:

She puts a Tinkerbell sticker on your bedroom door when you aren't looking.

Something exciting, well, to me it is!

So, for the past 6 months I have not had wireless. For some reason my computer just wouldn't do it and it was just so frustrating. I finally got it fixed this week and I am just as happy as an ant at a picnic. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to be any where and be on the Internet. Like right now I'm in bed wearing my penguin pajamas writing this. Heehee Haha Hoho! Just thought I'd let you know!

How to make: Cuban Bread

Tracy and I decided we would get a little creative and do a cooking video. Heehee! Now, this is serious. As if I'm ever serious! It's an actual how-to video, with minimal bits of Chip and Dale, for those who actually want to make this bread. You all should. It is easy, fun, and very rewarding, oh, and I forgot to mention delicious!

Cuban Bread

3 1/2 cups of white flour

1 1/3 cups of whole wheat flour

1 tbsp of sugar

1 tsp of salt

1 tbsp + 1/2 tsp dry active yeast

just under 2 cups of warm water

Soften the yeast in the warm water. Swish it around to break up any lumps. Let sit until you start to see a few bubbles.
Add the flour, sugar and salt. Mix well until water is absorbed. Turn out on to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough until it forms a soft smooth uniform dough; about 8-10 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl covered with saran wrap until it is doubled in size.
Roll out onto a lightly floured surface and flatten all the bubbles out. Divide your dough in to sections and knead. Round into balls and let rest for about 10 minutes. Knead the balls again and form into shapes. We did round loaves but you could do any shape you want.
Place the loaves on a baking sheet, flour the tops and lightly score. Place in a warm area to proof until double in size.
Bake for roughly 20-25 minutes in a 400 degree oven.

Trust me you can't go wrong with this bread! Give it a shot!