Guest Post : What’s Up with the Wilhelms

June 18, 2013

I have a (literally) sweet treat for y’all today! The lovely Courtney and I switched blogs today, and she’s sharing a mouth watering no bake strawberry pie recipe here at Scissors and a Whisk! Be sure and head on over to her blog to check out my post about some light and fluffy donuts I made from scratch in honor of National Donut Day!! PLUS you should have over to her blog in general because she’s just a great bloggy friend of mine.

cinnamon sugar baked donuts

PS Random factoid of the day: my birthday is in TWO DAYS.

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Hiiiiii!! I am Courtney from What’s Up with the Wilhelms and I am beyond thrilled to be guest posting for Sarah. After reading Sarah’s blog I quickly realized we have a lot in common (umm, hello we are both dog-mommy, teachers who married great guys named Matt, what more do we need to know). I knew that we were made to be friends. I feel so fortunate to have made such an amazing friendship through blogging. One day, Sarah and I will meet in person and drink some Moscato together. Right now it’s like we are old-school pen pals. Except Sarah and I text and FaceTime. Oh how technology changes things!

Anyway, today I am here to share an easy, summer recipe with you. Here in sunny, HOT, HOT, HOT, Arizona I avoid using my oven at all costs. When it is 110* outside I just cannot bring myself to add any more heat to my already toasty house. During the summer (really, May-September) I am a big fan of cooking outside on the grill; Sonoran Dogs are one of our favorite summertime grilling foods. However, I really miss baking. And summertime wouldn’t be summertime without a couple pies. To compromise during these scorching days, I turn to a lot of no bake desserts. I shared a couple of my favorites here and here. Today I am sharing with you a delicious No Bake Strawberry Pie. This pie screams summer to me; its light, airy, and filled with strawberries.

No Bake Strawberry Pie

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No Bake Strawberry Pie

Ingredients
1 package (9 rectangles, 18 squares) of chocolate graham crackers
1/3 cup chocolate baking chips
2 teaspoons canola oil
Cooking spray
1 6 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered

Directions
1. Place the chocolate graham crackers in a food processor, and mix until finely ground.
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2. Place the chocolate baking chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds.
3. Add the melted chocolate and oil into the food process and mix until combined.
4. Spray 9 inch pie pan with cooking spray.
5. Gently press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the sprayed pie pan.
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6. Place pie crust in freezer for 15 minutes.
7. While pie crust is freezing, wash, hull, and quarter strawberries. Place in medium bowl.
8. Put strawberry jam in microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 15 seconds.
9. Combine jam and strawberries. Mix together.
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10. Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with a mixer at medium speed until smooth.
11. Fold in whipped topping.
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12. Place cream cheese and whipped topping mixture into the pie pan.
13. Pour berry and jam mixture over the pie.
14. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

(Printable Recipe Here)

No Bake Strawberry Pie

Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me and letting me share this yummy recipe with you. I’d love for you to stop by my blog and say hi!

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Filed Under: guest post, recipe

Embarrassing workout pix for ya

June 17, 2013

That time I shared some embarrassing work out pix with my readers.

You’re lucky I love you. That I share my ups, downs, my accomplishments and ugly moments.

I know I told y’all a while ago I’d share some work out pictures, and I just so happened to find them again. Sorry it took so long!! These were taken with an iPhone so excuse the quality.

The first pic we’d have to squat with the ball, and then toss it up, and come back down into a squat with the ball. Second pic was running in and out of the rope ladder.

embarrassing workout pic

embarrassing workout pic

Want to know something super cool? Those capris were actually dance pants from high school!

My favorite tire flippin’… pffft.

embarrassing workout pic

embarrassing workout pic

Git’r Done!!!

Monster truck tire!!!

Y’all, flipping tires that are that huge really works out your whole body. You have to use your legs to lift the tire, so you’re working your legs, your abs will be engaged, and your arms push the tire over once it’s already up. Whew!

To be 100% honest, I don’t like working out outside. I’m lame. I prefer an air conditioned gym. With lots of fans around me. And cold water. I disliked this work out, but hey, ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?

What work outs do you dislike? Let’s be negative Nancy’s together.

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Filed Under: fitness, funny, healthy, pictures

It’s awkward for me

June 15, 2013

to make friends at the gym.

… let’s not even talk about how awkward I feel typing and reading this awkward post.

 

I’m going to preface by saying it’s challenging (or awkward, same thing) for me to make new friends in general.  I’m sure it’s my own insecurities, like I’ve discussed here, but it’s just weird for me, although I’m sure I’m only making it awkward for myself. I’ve even talked with (work) friends about this, and they’re like… just compliment someone. Introduce yourself. Smile.

Yadda, yadda. I do that. I’m a pro at small talk.

But then what? How do you turn small talk into a meaningful conversation, and after some time, a friendship? That’s the tricky part for me.

This is going to be the most awkward part of this post (for me at least). Sometimes I see a girl who is similar to me, and for this particular post, we’ll say at the gym. I see a person a few times that takes the same classes or whatever. Then I say hi and introduce myself, and maybe even ask how she liked the class (which is a big achievement in itself), but after you do that a few times here and there… I’m just not sure what to do next in order to build a friendship.

 

I feel so ridiculous.

Like I’m in middle school and have this big ol’ fat fear of being disliked, rejected, or come off as a creeper.

Any ideas? Any tips or advice? Do any of you BLOGGY FRIENDS (making friends with bloggers is way easier) even know what I’m talking about?

awkward making friends
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Filed Under: about, challenge, friends

Happies and Crappies [22]

June 14, 2013

Welcome to the 22nd Happies and Crappies weekly link up!!! Yayyyy!! Thank y’all for linking up with us :)

 

The deets on Happies and Crappies link up:
1. Happies and Crappies link up will be posted EVERY Friday at Midnight CST
2. We’d like for you to put our button on your post for the link up.
3. Please follow your hosts. We won’t make it mandatory, but we appreciate the love
4. If you tweet about your post, feel free to tag myself, Stephanie, and use the hashtag #HappiesandCrappies
Happies:
- My biiiiiiiggest happy is the fact that I purchased several pairs of super cute colorful shorts from NY&C in a size 8. I was a little hesitant they wouldn’t fit but knew a 10 would be too big. Well, surprisingly enough, the 8 was actually a bit loose!!! This coming from a girl who used to get sizes 13/14 so shorts wouldn’t be too tight (I had big ol’ thighs and was very self conscious) so for an EIGHT to be a little loose is like… jaw dropping. I was squealing. Literally. Squeals.
- Venturing out into the world of colored bottoms. I’m sure some of you are all colored-skinnies-every-chance-you-get, but I’m not. I wear one of two things. Jeans or nice pants for work. Soooometimes you’ll catch me in some khaki capris, but that’s rare.
- Posting a pic of my baby abs on IG and realizing… Huh! I really am starting to get some abs!!  I was JUST getting down on myself for feeling like I hit a plateau and not really seeing results… but I definitely don’t feel that way now!
- Spending time on myself and having fun nails.

- Enjoying summer school! I like feeling like I can really clear up and misconceptions or correct minor errors kiddos are making. I feel that way particularly in Math. :)
- Sisters are coming to town for Father’s Day! I get to see my nephew Mason!! Y’all get ready for picture overload.

 

Crappies:
- The only real crappy I can think of is that there are too many classes I want to take at the gym and almost considered staying for two one night!!

- Spacing on my post is all wonky. Sorry’ bout that!

 

Grab a button and link up!!


 

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Filed Under: fitness, happies and crappies, healthy

What it feels like to cook

June 13, 2013

Normally Matt and I split chores down the middle. I wash and dry laundry, but he helps put it away. I’d keep the bathrooms clean, and he’d take care of the kitchen. We both took care of our bedroom and living room. It felt equal. He used to cook, and I’d do dishes…

Now that he works and I’m having to cook, I’m surprisingly enjoying it more. I get a sense of satisfaction when I hear him say “Mmmmm” when he takes his first bite. Like I said in my latest Happies and Crappies post, I’m enjoying cooking. I don’t panic like before. I used to feel uncomfortable when I’d have several pots or pans cooking food at once. I don’t know why, but I didn’t realize “You dummy! Just turn the heat down!” I had a tendency to burn things. So not a good feeling.

Anyways, all I’m trying to say is that I enjoy cooking. It makes me happy to see others happy while they’re eating the food I cooked while having a pleasant conversation. It makes me happy to have left overs because I know I’m going to have a yummy lunch the following day or two. It makes me happy that my husband wants to take left overs to work. It makes me happy when I’m thanked for the meal.

It’s an overall good feeling. I could get used to this.

Do y’all cook? If so, what’s your favorite recipe?

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Filed Under: happy, healthy, husband, thankful

Just a few things I’ve learned lately…

June 11, 2013

I feel like I’ve learned a few things here and there lately. Now that doesn’t mean I’m all wise and crap, but just a few things I’ve picked up and wanted to share with y’all.

- Wear sunscreen if you plan on being outside for any longer than 30 minutes or so. Something might happen to where you have to be outside longer than expected. Better to be safe than sorry!

- When living in close quarters, like Matt and I in our studio-type apartment sans kitchen, you really get to know each other.

- When you don’t rip off that person’s face after living together, especially in such close quarters, you know it’s meant to be.

- It feels amazing not to procrastinate.

Things I've Learned: Don't Procrastinate

Source: tumblr.com via Justine on Pinterest

- With all these bloggers posting cute pictures of their curly hair using their curling want, I really need to dust mine off and try it for once.

- Smile, enjoy, and acknowledge the little things. Matt went to DQ to get a blizzard, but before he left he said he wasn’t going to share. Once he got home, he had two spoons… one for me, and one for him. I love that stinker.

- Enjoy moments with your pets. Sometimes I get irritated when Lucy brings me the toy over and over and over and over again because she’s obsessed with fetch, but lately I’ve just been giving in and playing. Guess what happens when I do? I watch her and laugh. I admire her for being the same way she was when she was a puppy (she’s two now!) and I feel myself loving her more. Now everyone go “Awwww!”

- Do laundry early in the day. It feels awesome. That one probably goes with the procrastinating one, huh? Oh well.

- Dress cute. Do your hair. Go out, even if it’s just to the grocery store or the public library. Heck, for some of you, just take a shower!! I was sunburnt over the weekend, and I didn’t even want to shower, but once I did, I felt like a brand new gal.

What are some things y’all have learned lately?

6 Comments
Filed Under: list

Summer Bucket List

June 9, 2013

Summer is here (for me, as a teacher), and I really really hope to make the best of it. That is why I decided to make a little summer bucket list!!! I’m teaching summer school for most of the month of June, but I’ll we’ll be out for the day by about 12:30pm. I’m going to try and not let the day waste away with laziness. I can’t guarantee that… but I’ll try! Some days ya gotta just give in and be a little lazy after some hard work.

Here goes my summer bucket list. Y’all help me with these, ok? Nag me. I don’t care.

- Work on craft projects.

- Splurge on myself for my birthday. (June 20th, fyi ;) I’m excited to visit my sister this summer and go shopping!!

- Feel “cute” and step out of the blue jeans every now and then. Maybe colored skinnes or polka dot shorts? Who knows! We’ll see, summer. We shall see.

- Have a picnic. It may be outside by the water, inside the house on the floor, or in the truck. Who knows. Either way, I want to pack a light lunch, maybe some beer and wine (and water — gotta stay hydrated), and just enjoy my husband’s company.

summer bucket list: picnic

- Bake!! I feel like it’s been forever since I just whipped up some cookies or brownies from scratch. I’d totally love to bake something, keep a few for myself and Matt, and then donate the rest.

 

I’m keeping it to five. If I so happen to achieve all five before the summer is over, I may add more. I’ve done a similar bucket list, but I made it too difficult for myself. The list included freakin’ dolphins and stuff… No can do. Picnics, movies, and baking is more my style.

What’s on your summer bucket list?

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Filed Under: list

Happies and Crappies [21]

June 7, 2013

Welcome to the 21st Happies and Crappies weekly link up!!! Yayyyy!! Thank y’all for linking up with us :)

The deets on Happies and Crappies link up:
1. Happies and Crappies link up will be posted EVERY Friday at Midnight CST
2. We’d like for you to put our button on your post for the link up.
3. Please follow your hosts. We won’t make it mandatory, but we appreciate the love

4. If you tweet about your post, feel free to tag myself, Stephanie, and use the hashtag #HappiesandCrappies

Happies:
- Jammin’ out to Songza’s 90′s music! I had the pleasure of listening to Christina, Spice Girls, Britney, Boyz II Men, Coolio, and more. Y’all need to check out the app Songza (no this isn’t a review of any sort) – I LOVE it. NO COMMERCIALS and just like Pandora; you can thumbs up or thumbs down songs! And search for music by artist, genre, even mood, day of the week and time of day!

- Wine. I’ve been stocked 24/7 nowadays. Lovin’ it.

- New York and Company. I flipping LOVE that store. Do y’all shop there? For you tall ladies, this place is the bomb.com. Their pants are super long for a decent price! They also almost always have sales going on. I purchased some fun shorts yesterday with their spend $100 get $45 off sale.

- Now that I’m getting my legs waxed frequently, I love being able to just throw on some shorts… hence the NY&C purchases. It’s amazing. I can’t wait to show y’all!

- Zumba instructor letting me lead a dance or two. She also randomly lets me lead for small periods of time while she gets water, but lately she’s been letting me lead entire dances. It’s such an ego boost.

For those of you who dislike “Keep Calm” signs, suck it.
For those of you do like “Keep Calm” signs, enjoy!
For those of you who like “Keep Calm” signs AND Zumba, you’re my favorite.

- Cooking!! Whoddathunk? I’m actually enjoying cooking. I’m getting better. It tastes good. Everyone at the table is content. I don’t feel as panicky when I have a pot of boiling noodles, browning sausage, and needing to chop spinach. I used to get panicked. Not anymore!

- I’m really digging the new gym I joined here in town. I’m even more pumped that they offer classes that I like. They have Zumba, light weight lifting for women, circuit type classes, yoga, and more! I’ve only tried the Zumba and light weight lifting, but I enjoyed both like crazy. Y’all know I love my Zumba ;)

Crappies:
- Rough day at summer school yesterday. I’m not going to go into details, but I had one that was sent home for his behavior, got several new students, and ughhhh… It wasn’t a “horrible” day, but it wasn’t a good one either.

- My car still isn’t ready from the collision center after my little accident. For those of you who don’t know, everyone’s ok (!!!), I just accidentally rear-ended someone. Grrr.

Grab a button and link up!!

 

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Filed Under: app, fitness, happies and crappies, happy, Pinterest

Happy, happy, happy

June 5, 2013

1. Having the entire summer school planned and lessons ready to go!!

2. Cooking better and feeling more confident about it.

3. My birthday is coming up! It’s June 20th, so y’all mark your calendars. I asked for a massage and shopping money ;)

4. Lucy being healthy. Matt and I have had our fair share of vet visits, and I’m so thankful those are almost non-existant *knock on wood*. We used to have to take her to the vet numerous times for her sensitive tummy troubles and ear infections.

5. Summmerrrrrr. I want to eat snow cones (or raspas for you latinos!), have a picnic (with plenty of applied sunblock), go to the drive-in movie theater, and visit my sisters!!!

6. Matt has been looking at dog breeds online. Do you know what that means? Possible puppy coming soon! :)

 

What little things are you enjoying?

4 Comments
Filed Under: happy

+ Add New Catgeory: Vent

June 3, 2013

This probably isn’t going to make y’all happy.

It may even piss some of you off or hurt your feelings.

It’s going to be one of those negative posts….

But quite frankly, I need to get it off my chest.

 

I was super busy the last few weeks of school, there’s no denying that. I wasn’t able to post as much and commenting/reading other blogs? Psh. Even less.

Now that I feel like I’m “back” again, I’m sort of unhappy.

I don’t know if I just didn’t notice before.

I know I did some of these things I’m about to write. Maybe I was just as self-promoting but didn’t realize. I was one of those people I’m about to complain about.

But it’s like now I have some new found realization.

And no, this definitely isn’t one of those “blogger faux-paus” type of lists. It’s just me complaining about what’s been bothering me lately on blogland.

 

- Selling your blog 24/7. Constantly promoting yourself. Constantly. Whether it’s on FB, twitter, Instagram, emails – it gets old.

- All the giveaways. Yes, we love free stuff, and any chance I could, I’d have a giveaway… but it just seems like there are so many people coming together to have these ginormous giveaways. And no, if you email me about helping out, I probably won’t. I don’t even enter anymore because there’s like a one in a million chance I’ll win, so.. no thanks.

- Only tweeting sponsor related tweets. Ugh. I know Sar recently said something about that annoying her as well. It’s so true, though.

- Posts that are only sponsored related all.the.time. I want to read about YOU.

 

Look, I get it. It’s your blog, and I’m sure y’all are thinking, “If you don’t like it, don’t read it.” aaaaand I don’t.

I know some of you are just trying to make some money and for some of you, blogging may be a source of substantial income. It’s your blog, and you should do what you want.

 

I have giveaways. I used to accept sponsors (notice “used to”). I did product reviews that I felt like my readers would enjoy and weren’t completely random.

 

If you think this post is directed at you, you can do.. really.. just one thing. Reevaluate yourself and/or your blog and decide if you want to change or continue the way it is. You can either take what I say and my thoughts to heart and get upset or feel hurt, or you can just change it and prove me wrong. I’m not pointing fingers. I do, indeed, read blogs (sometimes) that do things I listed. I do things I listed sometimes. I just feel like it’s getting out of hand, more and more people are getting sucked into the glorious idea of making money from blogging, and it’s sad. It makes me sad to take a little “break” and when I come back, I don’t feel like I missed anything.

 

So… all in all… Blogging, for me, is an outlet. I can post about my pins, my week of highs and lows, my husband, my dog, fitness, dreams or worries, whatever. I don’t want my blog to ever be like commercials where you just wait for the good stuff. I want it to always be good stuff.

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Filed Under: update
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