A Second Car Fight

Biceps and I are realizing quickly that not touring means being at home. Duh. What we are also realizing is that when he needs to go somewhere for work-I can’t always go with him. They sort of frown upon firefighters bringing their wives along-I don’t know why.

That leads me to this point: we think we need a second car. I know-it’s decadent, provocative and immensely American of us. But, this frugal household might just spring for “Four more wheels! Four more wheels! Four more wheels!”.

This is what Biceps wants-not because it’s necessarily cool, but very practical:

B-O-R-I-N-G.

A Prius. I think Rory Gilmore drove a Prius. I think that kid sitting across from me at the coffee shop that smells like Patchouli drives a Prius with his soul patch riding shotgun next to his caramel-no whip-soy latte.

Practical?-Yes. Good gas mileage?-Yes. Boring?-Yes.

This is what I want-a 1964 1/2 Mustang.

I don’t care if it’s candy apple red, avocado green or midnight blue-as long as it’s original. With white Pony Leather interior, 289 D-Code 4v Engine, Automatic Transmission, and factory air-what more could a girl want?

(I hear you in the background saying, “Electric windows/locks, seat heaters, a faab, airbags, murmur, murmur”. Don’t think I don’t.)

When I was 14, I saved up and bought this car-a 1966 Ford Mustang. It was a complete lemon-everything fell apart on it-the transmission, the horn, the brakes. But it was mine, and I loved it.

I would even give up the Mustang to drive a more practical vehicle like this-a 1963 Wagoneer. This gets about 9 mpg’s, so we wouldn’t really drive it-just look at it.

Or this-a 1978 Mercedes wagon. It gets better gas mileage (19 mpg) and it’s still pretty cute.

But really, what we need as a family is something classic, something practical and very affordable. With its 19 mpg’s on the highway-it’s downright economical. And let’s not forget that I’m recycling an old car instead of demanding a new one. And, I’m keeping local small businesses open with my never-ending need for repair parts.

This is just downright embarrassing-with its automatic locks, airbags, great gas mileage and resale value-only a goofball would buy this. Seriously, what am I going to do with Biceps?

Anything better than a Fireman holding a baby?

I contest that there is not-unless you happen to have your own fireman and he’s holding your own baby.

I am typically not one of those girls that wants to breathe in the “smell of a baby”. Personally, I think babies emit a lot of weird odors.

And I don’t get a kick out of their fat rolls, their spit-up, their farts or their saliva.
I’m just not there yet-don’t judge. I know it will happen once I have my own-or so I’ve been told.

But until then, I can gaze upon this picture of my hot fireman-Biceps-with our sweet little nephew-who appears to be milk drunk. I do so in the quietness of my childless home and ask-is there anything better than this?

NEW-“Linky Followers”-Google is going Buh-Bye!

Hellow Google Friends-I don’t want to loose you.

As you’ve probably heard, the popular Google Friend Connect (“GFC”) is going away March 1st for non-Google blog platforms like WordPress, and it will be eventually phased out completely to be replaced by Google+. Google is phasing the “Friends” out and is not providing a service to move followers over.

Bloggers know a good “follower” tool is really needed. Those of us who use Linky Tools and know the owner/creator (Brent Riggs), realized he would be perfect for developing some kind of really easy to use “follower” system.

Introducing LINKY FOLLOWERS (www.linkyfollowers.com)

Brent has created a FREE service and he launched it on 2/4/12. You’re the first to be invited to try it out.

Keep in mind this is a new service–there will no doubt be some bugs that the test group didn’t catch. Just contact Brent (brent@brentriggs.com). He is great about fixing things fast. Don’t let a bug or an “oops” hurt your first impression. You’re being invited to be some of the first users of this great new tool, and your feedback will help him iron out any problems very quickly.

I am asking you to please click the “Linky Follow Tool“. It’s easy, quick and did I mention, free? You’ll love the tool. It’s a cool way to organize and follow the blogs you love. As soon as you have an account, please then “Follow Me”.

Please sign up to be a linky follower and then “Follow Me”! This is found on the right side bar of each of my pages right below Google Friend Connect.

Please, please, I don’t want to loose you as a follower. I need you in my life. Love-Rebekah

Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

I love entertaining-there’s something wonderful about bringing someone into your home and fattening them up. It makes a weird lady, like me, feel good. In fact, if you are ever in the area-look me up. We’ll start off with my homemade Jalapeno Jelly, Cream Cheese and Crackers. Then, we’ll move on to a yummy Whole Wheat Pizza or maybe Sesame Almond Chicken for dinner.

Then, we’ll top off the evening with a warm, rich dessert that hits the spot-Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce. This simple dessert can be made ahead of time and is so very delectable. I don’t use that word-“delectable”-lightly, mind you.

At the end of the evening, we will both be so stuffed that a lounge by the fireplace with a gas of wine will be the only remedy.

This recipe is similar to others-however, I found that increasing the amount of raisins, cinnamon and using Mexican Vanilla takes this over the top.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce.

For the Pudding:
4-5 Cups of Sweet Breads
-toasted and cut into 1″ cubed pieces
-or cut into cubes and dried in the oven at 300 degrees for 10 minutes
1/2 Cup of Raisins or dried fruit of your choice
2 Slightly Beaten Eggs
2 Cups of Milk
1/4 Cup Melted Butter
1/2 Cup + 2 TBS Sugar
1 tsp (heaping) Cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp Mexican Vanilla (substitute with regular vanilla, if applicable-but add another 1/4 tsp)

For the Butterscotch Sauce:
1/2 Cup of unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Half and Half
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Mexican Vanilla (substitute with regular vanilla, if applicable-but add another 1/4 tsp)

Combine the cubed bread pieces and raisins in a large mixing bowl.

In another medium mixing bowl, slightly beat the 2 eggs.

Add the 2 Cups of Milk.

Add the melted butter.

Next, add the sugar and stir thoroughly.

Add the 1 tsp Cinnamon.

And the 1/2 tsp of Nutmeg.

Finally, add the 1 1/2 tsp of Mexican Vanilla.

Stir thoroughly until the spices are distributed throughout the liquid.

Add the liquid mixture to the cubed bread and raisins.

Gently fold the liquid mixture in with a spatula.

Pour the bread pudding into a greased 8 x 8 pan.
Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes, or until puffy and a knife comes out of the center clean.

Now-for the Butterscotch Sauce! (Make this right before you serve the bread pudding.)

Combine everything, except for the Mexican Vanilla, in a medium saucepan and cook over a medium/low heat for 5-8 minutes or until slightly thickened. Once the liquid comes to a full boil, immediately remove from heat.
Add the 1 1/2 tsp Mexican Vanilla and stir.

Transfer the desired amount of Bread Pudding onto a plate and pour the hot Butterscotch Sauce on top.

Grab your socks (so they aren’t blown off) and enjoy!