when it rains, it pours

posted by sometrouble @ 5:47 PM | Test Category Two | Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Between last night and this afternoon, I now have three people lined up wanting me to take photos of their kids. I am really excited...and still a bit nervous. I have relaxed some; however, since Chad reminded me that since I'm not charging them, it shouldn't put too much pressure on me. It is a learning experience, and I am just happy that they are interested. I will give it my best.

I need to stop at the fabric store, somehow among all the stuff I bought for backgrounds and props, I forgot to get a large piece of black material. Then I need to figure a way to hang the fabric until I can get one of these:
I also really really need a remote control for my camera...this is much more acquirable at $13. I'm going to go home and set everything up and play with my lighting. I don't want to screw it up when I'm trying to photograph the kids.

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A new endeavor

posted by sometrouble @ 10:26 PM | Test Category Two | Monday, November 27, 2006

I wish I had more time to play. Less time at work, less time commuting, and less time doing housework. I want to let my creative side loose...but there is never any time. I got adventurous, and decided that I want to take the first steps to becoming more of a professional photographer. I made cute little flyers, and sent them to all my friends and family with small children, asking them to allow me to build my portfolio by taking free photos of their kids. I bought two moderately priced strobe studio lights, with diffusor and reflector umbrellas...and I bought out half the fabric department at Jo-Ann's to use as backdrops. I've been gathering ideas, and trying to figure out how to rig my backdrops up. I've been trying to come up with some sturdy table or platform ideas for kids to sit on. I was really excited about the whole thing...

Tonight, I got my first "taker" on the offer. She is the sister of a very good friend, and she has about a 3 year old daughter (and a baby on the way). Now I am very nervous. What if I can't meet her expectations? What if I can't get the kid to smile? What if I have a problem with the settings on my camera, and my first attempt doesn't turn out well?

In addition to all those worries, it suddenly seems like I have so much to do to prepare. I have to get a functioning studio together ASAP! They are coming over this Saturday to do it. I really wanted to start out with some babies...they can't run off, and don't feel uncomfortable. I thought my first sitting would be with my friend's 6 month old son. Since I decided to do this, I have come up with so many cute ideas for newborns and babies...and I've been a little scared and feel unprepared to shoot older children. I guess just doing it will get me comfortable with it. If anyone has any advice about photographing kids, feel free to share. Wish me luck, and please send some prayers and good thoughts my way for things to go smoothly this weekend.

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4 Comments:

At November 27, 2006 10:08 PM, Blogger Oberon said...

.......you look like some trouble.

 
At November 28, 2006 1:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let ME know what you figure out in regards to photographing kids. I tried to take a few "portraits" of my Niece this weekend and was horrified at how difficult it was.

I'm sure you'll do a great job but like I said, SHARE your tricks woman! ;-)

 
At November 28, 2006 1:49 AM, Blogger Allie said...

How exciting! I've always wanted to get into photography but never had enough money to buy a decent camera...

Hey, I'll come and do a sitting for you! That would be fun!

Good luck with all of that and have fun!

 
At November 28, 2006 9:18 AM, Blogger sometrouble said...

thanks soozieq and alyson...I hope it is not to hard. I tossed and turned in bed last night dreaming and lying awake thinking about it. Some sort of weird mix of excitement and worry.

 

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more yummies

posted by sometrouble @ 8:00 PM | Test Category Two |

I have so many things swirling around in my head which I want to post about, but can't seem to find a good chunk of time to sit down and write. There are so many things going on in this already busy holiday time of year! I made some oatmeal scotchy cookies last week...they came out pretty good. I tweaked a couple different recipes, and made my own. Here's the "secret recipe".
1/2 pound (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups Quaker Oats, uncooked
1-1/2 cups butterscotch chips

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat margarine and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix well. Add oats and chips; mix well.
2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown (and not dough-y in the middle). Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.
I think maybe I should starte a second blog for recipes I try out. I like cooking and baking...and it would be a good way to keep track of what turned out tasty.

p.s. I didn't take this picture, either...sadly. I can't find my card reader for my computer...and I'm too lazy to hunt for it right now. I can't get wireless on the laptop which has one built in, because I haven't bothered to set up the wireless router yet.

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At November 28, 2006 1:51 AM, Blogger Allie said...

How domestic of you! ;o) It's cute. Glad you are having fun with it, I like baking too.

Sounds yum-o, I'm going to have to try them out.

 

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wallflowers

posted by sometrouble @ 10:58 PM | Test Category Two | Monday, November 20, 2006

I just want to say that I am annoyed by non-commenters. Not those of you who have and do comment from time to time...and just maybe have nothing to say about a particular post. Just those people who I KNOW stop by for more than 0:00 minutes. I can tell that there are people who STILL end up here searching for info on anything relating to this post...I don't want to mention any key words for fear of starting it all over again. But someone shows up here AT LEAST once a week. Hey, if someone gets some good out of it, then great, I guess.

I don't know where most the other people are linking from, just that there are repeat readers from Franklin, MI; Grand Blanc, MI; Sacramento, CA; Howell, MI; Piscataway, NJ; Vancouver, WA; Southfield, MI; Blacksburg, VA; and more.

The curiosity is driving me nuts! I want to know who these people are. They keep coming back, they must like me. Either that or they are just strangely driven to visit my site like zombies. I want to "meet" my readers.

Please say "hi" if you are one of the lurkers. It would make my day!

13 Comments:

At November 21, 2006 12:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! I found your blog through 'titania's blog. I stop by your site pretty regularly because you have some really cool pictures sometimes, and I am usually avoiding homework so it is a good place to waste some time :-) Sorry for 'lurking.'

 
At November 21, 2006 8:57 AM, Blogger sometrouble said...

hi tara! Thanks for stopping by! It is nice to know people are interested in what you have to say. Hopefully, I should have some more pictures up soon, my husband and I took a weekend getaway trip this past weekend.

 
At November 21, 2006 10:58 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, you know I'm around. Non-commenters bother me too... but I know some of them are at work, or something where they aren't supposed to be commenting and such...

 
At November 21, 2006 11:13 AM, Blogger sometrouble said...

yes, LL...I know you're here. I like that people are here...but I feel like I HAVE TO KNOW who they are! :o) I think I just figured out that one of the locations I mentioned is me...oops. Not the city I live in, and I don't even know where it is...but it occurs everytime I'm checking the site.

 
At November 21, 2006 1:57 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hmm, the irony. I found you today because you made yourself known to me :-)

I think calling your readers out is a good idea because you never know who you'll find that way as well.

Thanks for coming by my place and I'm glad you told me you were "there". I hope to see you around the new blog as well.

 
At November 21, 2006 8:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The one from Howell is Jenelle... you gave my your link a while back and I saved it to my favorites. I post comments occasionally, but it at times won't allow me to b/c I don't have an account. Oh well...

 
At November 21, 2006 8:36 PM, Blogger sometrouble said...

oh hey jenelle...yes i remember giving you the link. How have you been? Chad and I miss seeing you guys.

 
At November 21, 2006 10:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

and the blacksburg mystery stalker would be robin. i have this nasty habit of procrasting homework and facebooking...somehow your blog showed up along the way...so now i always stop by to check for new pictures. i'm a stalker....i know, i know. but i'm very harmless, i promise. :)

 
At November 22, 2006 2:22 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rachel and Micah are showing up as many of the hits from Vancouver, WA. The internet works in mysterious ways. Our ISP is based out of Vancouver so that's where our connection terminates to the rest of the internet.

Anyway, we both stop by from time to time to see what you're up to, and to view your most excellent photos.

 
At November 22, 2006 9:44 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Emily!

The GB person is me (Emily C.). I got your comment in my lj. Glad to hear things are going well at Henkel! Classes are keeping me very busy (Im actually supposed to be typing up lab reports right now). Say HI to everyone for me and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :)

 
At November 22, 2006 7:35 PM, Blogger Daisy said...

This is my first time here because I noticed you posted a comment on my blog. No, I have no idea what happened to Nessa. Let me know. I don't want to cause her any trouble. I just want to know if she is ok.

 
At November 22, 2006 8:00 PM, Blogger Daisy said...

Forgot to tell you... I am going to try your caramel apple cheesecake. It looks and sounds devine!!

 
At November 27, 2006 9:38 PM, Blogger sometrouble said...

Thanks for de-lurking, everyone!

Hi Robin, Rachel, Micah, and Emily.

Welcome Soozieq and Gerbera Daisy! Thanks for visiting!

 

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake!!!

posted by sometrouble @ 5:09 PM | Test Category Two |

I promised Rachel in the comments of the post below, that I would divulge my secrets of CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE...it is super easy, but some of you dedicated bakers might be disappointed to know that I didn't make it 100% from scratch. I do have to say, that it turned out very yummy...and I would recommend this recipe as "tested and approved!"
The base of the cheesecake is Krusteaz brand Apple Crisp. The recipe for the cheesecake modification comes on the back of the box. I had never noticed the brand in the stores until this year. Their website states:
In 1932 a group of women from a Seattle, Washington bridge club decided that making a pie took too darn long. So they took it upon themselves to create the world's first easy-to-make pie crust mix. Thus the words "crust" and "ease" were put together for the very first time to form our name Krusteaz. Catchy, isn't it? Since then, in this quiet little corner of the country we've been very busy. That original pie crust rescipe was so delicious that in just a few years, it inspired a whole world of baking mixes from breads and muffins, to specialty dessert mixes. Whatever you're hungry for, Krusteaz products are easy-to-make and easy to enjoy.
It is true, the products are tasty, and seem about as close to "homemade" as you can get from a box. All of their dessert products have recipe ideas to "enhance" the dessert from its "out of the box" form. I have also tried the mango and key lime bars...they are super good too...I liked the key lime ones a little better than the mango...as did most people at the party I served them at.

Ok, ok, before I get an angry mob here, I will give you the recipe!
You will need:
1, 27 oz package of Krusteaz Apple Crisp Mix (1 pouch each of the crisp topping mix and the apple filling)
5 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
16 oz (2 regular packs) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
caramel dessert topping

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place crisp topping mix in medium bowl. Cut in butter or margarine using a fork or pastry blender until crumbly. Reserve 1/4 cup of this crumbly crisp topping mixture. Spoon remaining mixture into lightly greased VERY IMPORTANT! (I forgot, and it was really hard to get out of the pie plate) 9-inch deep dish pie pan (this is important, mine ALMOST overflowed all over the oven when I added the cheesecake...also, as it cooks, it puffs up and may crack apart, just watch it if you don't have a deep pan). Press evenly into bottom of pan. Spread apple filling over crust. Set aside.

In separate bowl (a deeper bowl works better here...less splatter mess), place cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed 30 seconds or until smooth. Add eggs and continue to mix on low speed an additional 30 seconds or until well blended. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over apple filling layer. Sprinkle with reserved crisp topping mixture. Bake 40-45 minutes or until center does not jiggle when lightly shaken. Cool to room temperature. Drizzle with caramel topping. Chill several hours or overnight. (I let it cool on the counter until I could handle the glass pie plate, then stuck it in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours. I cut it into pieces and drizzled each one with caramel when I served them. It looks nicer -- the caramel doesn't get all messed up and goo up your knife when it is cut.)

Makes 16 servings.
Let me know if anyone tries it...I would really love to know if you liked it too! If I try any more of the recipes on these products, I will post here about how they come out. I probably will try more, since I have been really happy with the ones I've had so far. So many people have asked me for the recipes...I still can not believe it is from a box.

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2 Comments:

At November 20, 2006 9:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

*drool* Thank you so much for the recipe! I can't wait to make it. Lovely picture too... did you take it or is it a stock photo?

 
At November 20, 2006 10:29 PM, Blogger sometrouble said...

I wish i took it...mine didn't turn out that nicely after I forgot to grease the pan...it still tasted great...but not so pretty. The photo is actually on the back of the box, and I stole it from the website. I think the gorgeous photo was mostly what made me opt for the extra work in the cheesecake version rather than the plain old apple crisp version.

 

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mmmm hot spiced cider on a chilly night

posted by sometrouble @ 4:49 PM | Test Category Two | Wednesday, November 15, 2006

The party went well. I had fun hosting it and entertaining for a houseful of women. Although, I think my kitten is traumatized. I served apples sliced up with caramel apple dip. I made a caramel apple cheesecake, that was a BIG hit, and I have to say, it was pretty yummy! I also made a hot spiced cider recipe. I had a hard time choosing a recipe, since there are so many variations online...and I didn't have the time to taste-test every one. I sort of did a combination of a few I found, and it turned out really well...so I will share the recipe with you.
You will need:
1 gallon of apple cider
1 teaspoon of whole cloves
1 teaspoon of whole allspice
2 sticks of cinnamon
2/3 of a cup of light brown sugar

Combine all the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer or low boil with a lid on for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
You could also make it in a crock pot. You can serve it right from the pot...or do what I did. I poured it into the coffee pot on my 12 cup coffee maker, and turned it on to keep the cider warm. Everyone seemed to like it. I way over-bought cider for the party. We bought two gallons from a local apple orchard, and three more gallons from the fruit market. I used one for the hot cider, opened one and about 1/4 of it was consumed cold at the party, and gave one to my mom. We still have two unopened, and 3/4 of one in the fridge. I'm going to be sick of apple cider by the time it is all gone. I don't really crave it much the rest of the year, just in the fall. There is something about the crisp air that makes apple cider seem perfect.

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At November 17, 2006 8:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, yay for cider, yummy yummy warm and all that, but what is this I hear about caramel apple cheesecake? Please share!!!!!

 
At November 18, 2006 12:40 PM, Blogger sometrouble said...

ok! ok! calm down! I will share my "cheaters" but still delicious caramel apple cheesecake recipe with you...stay tuned for the next post! :o)

 

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I'm still here...and alive...I think

posted by sometrouble @ 10:35 AM | Test Category Two | Sunday, November 12, 2006

applesI've been super busy both at work and at home. Last weekend, Chad and I hung our Christmas lights on the house. We are not turning them on yet, but it was nice and warm out, and we wanted to get them up before it was cold and nasty outside. They look really nice, I can't wait to start turning them on. I am really excited about Christmas this year. It will be my first Christmas on my own...and I probably won't have time to do all the baking my mom usually does, but I will have my own tree, and my own house to decorate!

Today, I am having a jewelry party. It is a Lia Sophia home party. My friend has started selling it, so I am hosting a party for her. I am planning on doing the snacks and refreshments apple themed...since we live near so many apple orchards now. (Although technically, Romeo is know for its peaches) I bought red delicious, granny smith, and gala apples and I plan on slicing them up and serving them with some caramel apple dip. I am going to make hot spiced cider (without alcohol) and have cold cider too. Does anyone have a good recipe for the hot cider that they have tried? I pulled several off the internet, but I don't know which will turn out best. I also can't decide if I should make an apple crisp or apple cheesecake. I want to do the cheesecake, but I have to go get cream cheese...and it is almost 11:00 am now. It will need to chill for at least a couple hours, overnight would be better. The party is at 4.

Recently, I have gotten really excited about getting into professional photography. I am making plans to make it happen. I will tell you all about that later though, gotta get this place ready for guests!

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I think I'm dying

posted by sometrouble @ 10:46 AM | Test Category Two | Thursday, November 02, 2006

Sick. Still.

October 1st: My friend, Renee came over to our new house to help me organize the kitchen. She warned me that she had a cold. I took my chances.

October 4th: We spent the whole day busy moving. Making trips back and forth the 20+ miles between the old apartment and the new house. On the go constantly and eating junk.

October 6th: I started to feel the telltale scratchy throat and runny nose. It progressed over the weekend.

October 11th: Felt the worst so far, stayed home sick from work. Went back the next day. Gradually felt a little better by the end of the weekend.

October 18th: Thought I was on the mend. Intense sore throat and general ickiness began. Suspected low fever by achy limbs and chills. Didn't own a thermometer to confirm.

October 19th: Much worse than previous day. Stayed home from work again. Found out Renee was still sick and had needed antibiotic to kick it. Going on two weeks sick for me. Went to doctor's. Hubby also went to his doctor, since by now he was sick and miserable too. Bronchitis is going around, apparently. We both got put on a 10 day course of antibiotic.

October 20th: Stayed home sick again. Antibiotic on an empty tummy...not good things were happening at 5 am. Gradually started feeling better over the next week. Still waking up feeling like crap and all stuffed up, though. Noticed I was having more headaches...especially at night and in the morning.

October 29th: Finished antibiotics. Better but not great.

November 1st: Throat feeling tight and sore-ish. Sinus pressure and pain. Body very sore and tired feeling.

November 2nd: Woke up stuffed up. Sore throat AGAIN. Feeling chest congestion...and definitely not well. Very worn out.

When will this end? I have been sick for about a MONTH! I have never been sick this long in my life. I just want to be better. I don't know if it is all the same thing, or the bugs are just piling up on top of each other. I'm debating whether I should go to the doctor's again. Renee thinks I should, if the antibiotic didn't knock it out. I don't know that my doc will really be able to do anything...she'll probably just write it off as cold and flu season. A co-worker suggested I check my house for poisonous gas levels such as radon. He also mentioned that paint gives off all kinds of nasty chemicals as it dries. We did repaint almost the whole house when we moved in. We just finished up the kitchen and the second coat in the bathroom last week. A few people have suggested a humidifier to help with the morning stuffiness. I will probably go pick one up.

I'm just sick of being sick!

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5 Comments:

At November 02, 2006 7:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

FEEL BETTER!! :D

 
At November 02, 2006 9:01 PM, Blogger Allie said...

Aww, my poor emily! I wish I could come and take care of you.

Sounds like Krissy has been sick for awhile and gave whatever she had to Jeff. Are you sure you don't have mono or something?

...and I'm sorry if you do! I apoplogize!

 
At November 02, 2006 9:02 PM, Blogger Allie said...

that's supposed to be "I apologize"

 
At November 03, 2006 9:26 AM, Blogger sometrouble said...

emily: Thanks! I'm trying!

allie: I think I gave it to Krissy and Chad both...and then Krissy gave it to Jeff. But really, it is all Renee's fault. :o) I love her anyway, though. Any why do you "apoplogize"? You didn't do anything. Although, being sick so long did make me think about you, because you always get really knocked out with something nasty when you catch it.

 
At November 06, 2006 3:52 PM, Blogger Liz said...

Honey, that sounds like my first semester of school last year. Strep, bronchitis and pneumonia. Almost THREE MONTHS of lingering cough, sinus congestion and sore throat. I totally understand how miserable you are and I send you love and kisses and all the healing energy I can muster. I hope you get better soon! Drink as much water as your body can take, and get some packets of Emergen-C to help boost your immune system so you don't keep getting sicker. Kick those microbes' asses!

Love you much! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

 

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