Some Fixes

Hey ladies. I have no idea why we aren't getting the comments emailed to us anymore. It's buggin. Since Google Groups doesn't feel like fixing the problem, I came up with a solution myself. That's why I added the Recent Comments on the side. Hopefully this will work. We can have it set to show however many comments we want (right now it's set to show the last 5, but if you think it should show more, just tell me and I'll quickly fix it).

Which VS Model are YOU?

This site has TONS of fun quick surveys you can take to find out what flavor lip gloss you are, which 80s girl band you should have been in, or in this one, which Victoria's Secret model are you most lit. (ha ha.) I figure while I'm suspending reality, I might as well really push it! ENJOY!

You Are Most Like Heidi Klum

Girl next door vibe with top model looks

Which Victoria's Secret Angel Are You?

It's done!

Hey Girls. By now, you've probably received an email from me about our new blog. It's titled, Inspired Ideas, and the website is http://wktgsinspiredideas.blogspot.com/. I hope you all take a moment to check it out, and post what you did this week or ideas you have for upcoming activities. Especially with the holidays approaching, we all might need each other's help. I would also ask Marilee to post about their Youth Conference they did last year with the Amazing Race...I'd like to copy it for next summer! Enjoy!

Yet another blog?

i propose an idea. from heather's blog entry the other day regarding Activity Days, and the many responses she got...here is my idea. i would entertain the idea of another blog. it would be an area for everyone to post their idea, lesson, or activity. whether for activity days, primary, relief society, activities committee, or young women's, it would just be an arena to share our experiences. what are everyone’s thoughts on this? i would volunteer to set it up, get out the invites to everyone, and get the ball rolling. it would be the same type of forum as this blog. you could post what you did that week for your calling, and then whoever wanted to, could use that idea for their own activity. let me know what you all think.

Calling on All You Acitivity Days Leaders!

Alrigh ladies I was just put in as an Activity Days Leader and I need some ideas! My partner has been doing this for almost 3 years and is fresh out of ideas so I need some help! I am up for any and all suggestions! You can email me at sempey860@comcast.net if you want. Thanks Heather

Books and Hot Chocolate!!!

Hey Girls! Its been a while since I've posted on here but I have been looking at all of your posts. Glad to be back with some "good stuff."

So I don't LOVE Oprah, but I was watching a few weeks ago when Sean Penn, who I also don 't particularily care for, was on. He just directed a movie called "Into the Wild" which was based on the book written by Jon Krakauer. Its a true story about a kid who ditched his well off family, donated his savings account to charity and spent 2 years hitchhiking across the country. Eventually he was found in Alaska because he starved to death. On the show they talked to his sister and his parents and it was very very intriguing so of course I had to read the book. It was written by the same guy who wrote "Into Thin Air."

So I'm alway cautious to recommend books so let me tell you that there is some bad language here and there. Its mostly when he's quoting sources, and there are probably only 10 in the entire book. If you read it let me know. I'd be interested to see what you all think.

The next item I can't take credit for discovering. I credit Angie for this awesome little machine. Its called a Cocomotion and its a hot chocolate maker. It mixes and heats your hot chocolate, using milk (which is always my preference) or water. Its the best thing ever, but they can be tricky to find since they're sold seasonally. Wal-Mart's your best bet if you want one.

And of course, to go along with the Cocomotion you'll need the best hot chocolate ever. Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa comes in all flavors and is THE BEST! If you live out of Utah it may be tricky to find but I have seen it in the Super Target here and you can order it online by going to www.indulgentfoods.com

So there ya have it! Enjoy your books and hot chocolate!

Dark Chocolate Lovers dream...

I have found yet another amazing thing at Walmart. Okay, so one of my many loves and obsessions is chocolate mousse. I've found some dry dark chocolate mousse mixes that you make on your own with milk, but never tastes just like whipped mousse. So, I am in the refridgerated asile near the butter and puddings and such, and I see it. It's what I've been looking for for years now. Swiss Miss now has a dark chocolate mousse in a pudding cup...I can't find the exact name...their website doesn't have anything about it, and I threw away the paper packaging. But...it's a 2 layered pudding cup with dark chocolate mousse on the bottom, and I think milk chocolate mousse on the top. It's completely amazing! It only has 140 calories for the whole thing to boot! My philosophy has always been, "If it's not dark, then chocolate is not worth the calories." So far, I've eaten 2 mousse cups today. One for breakfast and one for dessert tonight. I mean, I thought I had hit the jackpot when they came out with dark chocolate M&M's, but this is 10 times better. If you love dark chocolate and love mousse...then join my club. I have a feeling that they will be stocked 24/7 at my house!

Twilight...at 11 pm?

Yeah, that's right. I finally started reading (Beau's out of town hunting) and I can't put it down. I started a couple of hours ago and I'm about 200 pages in. If I keep up this pace, I'll have a complete opinion by morning. :) Here's to hoping I get some sleep!

G'Night!

I have found it!

Okay, so I am a genius. Not really, but I have made a miraculous discovery. I have the answer to one of life's mysteries. Here's the story...I was in the shower yesterday morning, and felt the need to clean it. In my bathroom, we don't keep any cleaners (after collin drank windex), but I do keep a container of toilet bowl cleaner up on a high shelf. I kinda have a secret obsession with cleaning my toilet. I probably clean my toilet 3-4 times a week. I know, OCD. Anyways, I was already wet in the shower and didn't want to get out to get my Soft Scrub, so I grabbed the Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner. I thought...hey it's cleaner, and it cleans the dirtiest place on earth (a toilet) so why not clean some shower tiles also. I read the back of it and it even kills the HIV virus! So, as I was scrubbing the tiles and grout with my toothbrush and toilet bowl cleaner, a little flicked onto my shower stall door (we have the frosted glass shower doors in our master bath) and it started to FOAM! I though to myself...it's foaming, it must be cleaning. I let it foam for a mintue, and after I rinsed it off...NO MORE HARD WATER STAIN! I have been purchasing the most expensive crap out there, I even spent $38 on 1 bottle of green cleaner from a door to door salesman who promised me no hard water stains. No avail. So after my discovery, I squirted a bunch in my hand and wiped it all over the door...it was a beautiful foaming mess! (but stings any cuts you might have) Now I don't mean huge foam, more like a peroxide type of foam...the blue cleaner turns white as it's killing the hard water stains. I continued to use the whole bottle on my shower and love that I've made an amazing discovery. Now if they'd just give that Nobel Peace Prize to me rather than Al Gore...hummm.....

Boden & Long Distance

Ok, I've been meaning to post both of these things for awhile now. Someone asked in my introduction post what Boden is. Boden is my VERY favorite clothing company. Here's a link to their website: Boden

Their clothes are fabulously made and just a little bit different from what you see everywhere else. I am especially a huge fan of their little boys clothing (and dresses for myself). My son is definitely out of the gymboree phase and I have had a hard time finding things for him the last year or so. They also resell for a fabulous price on ebay (I ebay most of my kids' clothes, therefore justifying the insane amount of money I spend on them).

Boden is an English company so if you do order from them, make sure you pay attention to their sizing since it is different from US sizing. Best of all, they are almost always running some kind of promotion. The best time to buy is during their sneak peek sales that they do about 3 times a year - it's usually a preseason sale and 25% off everything plus free shipping and returns. This is when I do 90% of my ordering. Right now their promotion is 10% off plus free shipping and returns - you have to get the offer through email so email me at anmfrost@hotmail.com if you want the email.

ALSO, I just have to post about the cheap, cheap long distance. We have been using Big Red Wire for about 4 years now. The rate is 2.6 cents a minute in the U.S. and 3.9 cents to call Canada (I checked for you Angie). You sign up on their website and they bill your credit card. I usually spend less than $15 per month for all the long distance I use (I use a lot because I don't live near my family). Anyway, I'm always on the lookout for ways to cut costs on my budget so I though I would pass this along to all of you!

Beans, beans

Hey ya'll,

I've been kind of a slacker on this blog lately, but after a great conference weekend, with yum food I thought I'd share one of my favorites. Sorry, not in time for conference but this recipe is good ANY TIME.

Bean Pico
1 16oz. can black eyed peas (rinsed & drained)
1/4 C. thinly sliced green onion
1/4 C. diced red pepper
2 Cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for you non-watchers of the food network)
2 Tbs. Cider vinegar
2 Tbs. Salsa

Add the following to taste:lime juice, hot sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, celery salt, and any other spices you like.

Chill all ingredients and then add Cilantro - fresh, chopped finely - just before serving.

I like to serve these with key lime tortilla chips (a delicious meal on their own by the way), but since I'm trying to LOSE weight, I've been eating it alone, on lettuce or with some whole grain crackers.

Enjoy!

ps. Louise - I didn't realize that you were Louise (used to be Coomb) from Calgary. I saw your blog and just wanted to say hi! I'm Thomas Glenn's younger sister.

(Oh and by the way, for those of you who do know my older brother Thomas, he just announced yesterday that he will be performing at the MET next year!! NYC baby! We're thrilled for him. He's performing in an opera called Dr. Atomic. It seems to be taking the world by storm - he'll be performing it in Chicago this December/January. Here is a link to his site: http://www.thomasglenntenor.com/)

Conference Weekend!

The muffins. That's all I have to say. Angie and Julie can attest to these muffins. This is what conference weekend was all about when we were in college. That, and sleeping through the whole thing. These are the most amazing muffins you've ever tasted. And I took the liberty of getting the recipe from my mom for you girls to enjoy...Mandella, I am making them Sunday morning and will run some over to you...you'll love me for it!

Conference Muffins:
2 cups boiling water
4 cups bran cereal (All Bran or Bran Buds)
1 pound pitted and chopped dates (ick) OR 2 cups raisins
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
5 tsp baking soda
1 cup crisco
2 cups sugar
4 beaten eggs
1 quart buttermilk
2 cups bran flakes
1/3 cup molasses

You'll need a huge bowl for this one. Makes 6 dozen muffins! But trust me, if you share with neighbors, they'll be gone!
Pour boiling water over bran cereal and raisins. Sift dry ingredients together. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs, hot bran mixture, dry ingredients, molasses and buttermilk. Add the 2 cups of bran flakes cereal. Mix just enough to combine. Baked in greased and floured muffin tins or line with cupcake liners at 400 degrees for 15-20 mintues. Batter can be stored in a covered container in a fridge for up to 6 weeks! Bake any amount as desired!

I was gonna overnight these to Angie and Julie, but then I thought you might have more enjoyment making them on your own. My tonsils better be healed by Sunday so I can eat these!

not makeup...

Ok, my post of the thing that totally rocks my world lately has nothing to do with makeup but everything to do with helping to keep us looking good!

I'm pretty lazy sometimes when it comes to eating veggies - I just don't eat them enough frankly, and I find that I throw half of them in the trash because they go bad. My solution? The Birds Eye brand frozen vegetables in their own little microwaveable steam bag.

These are so great because they are totally sog-proof and the veggies actually taste fresh. They also sell them in single serving packets which are so great for a girl like me who is single half the week! :)

And in case you've never checked it out, a great website that does all the hard work for you is www.hungry-girl.com. Enjoy!

Sound Familiar???

Since most of us are mom's and those of us who aren't have a mom, I thought I'd post this. I know I can relate...what about you???

As Good as it Gets!

Okay ladies! If you don't know who Paul Potts is, you will now! My dad sent me this clip and I got the chills. Just watch it. It really doesn't get much better than this!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oxTy7KIAaA&NR=1

Also, does anyone know of the perfect blush? Mine always disappears in 30 minutes. Is there a liquid out there that stays on? Let me know.

And one last thing for Halloween. Why do mummies make such bad friends?
...because they are SO wrapped up in themselves! Chortle, Guffaw~

Introducing Myself!!

Hi everyone. Angie invited me to join this awesome site and I'm finally getting around to introducing myself. I've loved reading this blog for the last month or so and have tried tons of the products mentioned here. I'm excited to contribute more! Here's a little about me.

1. Full Name: Monique Frost

2. Age: 31 but quickly approaching 32

3. Married/Kids - Married almost 7 years to Allen, Carter 4 1/2, Makenna 2 1/2 and baby girl due in February

4. Work: Stay at Home Mommy (though we don't stay home very often)

5. Resides: New to Phoenix, AZ (and for all you Twilight obsessed girls out there, I actually only live about 4 miles from Stephenie Meyer)

6. Hobbies: Scrapbooking, Reading, Traveling, Decorating, Entertaining

7. Loves: Date night EVERY week with hubs, shopping, Target, Gymboree, Children's books, Boden, Eating out, Holidays, Seasons (sob), giving gifts, paper crafting, diet coke with lemon, chocolate chip cookies, organizing, cleaning, salad, mexican food, family traditions, blogging, scrapbooking, my Achievement Days calling, hanging out with friends, Netflix, DVR, Lost & Heroes, my iPod, saving money, getting great deals

8. I am on this blog thanks to: Angie (Ang also set up my husband and I on our first date - I have a lot to thank her for)

9. Dreams: Serve a mission with my hubs, travel the world with my husband (and kids when they are older), build my dream home (sooner than later), be in really great shape again, live internationally with our family, finish my Master's degree, own a vacation home in Hilton Head, SC, live close to extended family, have my kids grow up to be righteous and productive members of society

10. Addictions: Target, eating out, Diet Coke, Staying up way too late, online shopping, blogging, buying clothes for my kids, chunky jewelry

11. Biggest Dislikes: disobedient children, working out (there, I said it), a messy house, general clutter in my house (esp. paper), gaining weight, debt of any kind, laundry and ironing

Get Your Beauty Sleep!!

Hi Girls,
I feel like it has been FOREVER since I last posted. I've been out of town for the past week or so and feel so out of it with all of you. I've been reading and catching up on everyones posts and feel much more at peace with life now that I'm back in the We Know the Good Stuff "Know" :-).

So here is my latest find! Sorry Shannon, it's not makeup but I do believe it can GREATLY enhance your look if you use it. It's a Sleeping Eye Cover. OH MY GOSH!!! Can I just say that I have never slept so good! You'd think it would drive you nuts, but oh no my friends, it is pure heaven. Everything around you is blacked out and you sleep like a baby. Check 'em out and let me know what you think.

I got mine while on vacation but I found a website you can order them on. They come in all different colors and styles as well.
Check it out:
http://www.dreamessentials.com/a_intro_eye_masks.aspx?gclid=CNua7ty98I4CFQzCYgodnyIcEQ

Yummy Dinner

I already posted this on my personal blog, but wanted to share it with you all. Any kind of Thanksgiving meal is a favorite of mine!

I don't usually watch Rachel Ray. Something about her totally bugs, but I'm not sure what it is exactly. Today, however, I ended up watching her show (mainly by accident - wasn't paying attention to what was on) and found the yummiest dinner recipe. It was so good, I had to share! And, to top it off, there is enough to make dinner for the next night (a Thanksgiving-style shepherd's pie).

Turkey-Stuffin’ Meatloaf With Scallion Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Ingredients
· 7 tablespoons butter, divided
· 1/2 large onion, cut into small dice
· 3 pieces celery heart, cut into small dice
· 1 bay leaf
· 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 1 bag stuffing cubes (I used the cornbread flavor and they were so good!)
· 2 quarts chicken stock, divided
· 2 pounds ground turkey
· 2 eggs
· 2 1/2 pounds (about 4 to 5 medium-size) peeled Idaho potatoes
· 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
· 1/2 cup milk
· 1 small bunch scallions, chopped
· 1/4 cup flour
· 1 pound green beans


Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted, add the onions, celery and bay leaf to the skillet, season with poultry seasoning, salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook until the veggies are tender.
3. Add the stuffing cubes to the skillet and mix in about 2 to 3 cups of chicken stock to moisten. Take the bay leaf out of the skillet, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, eggs and cooled stuffing mixture. Form the meat mix into 2 long loaves on a baking sheet (or in bread pans, like I do). Drizzle them with olive oil and cook in the oven for about an hour, until brown and cooked through (165ºF internal temperature), about 45 minutes.
5. Once the turkey loaves are about half way done, start the sour cream and scallion potatoes: Add the potatoes to a medium-size pot of cold water and boil until tender.
6. While the potatoes are boiling start the gravy: Add the remaining four tablespoons butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and cook for about a minute. Whisk the remaining 6 cups of chicken stock into the skillet with the butter and flour mixture, and cook until thickened and bubbling, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside half the gravy for tonight’s meat loaf and mashed potatoes and reserve the other half for the Shepherd's Pie.
7. Heat a pot over high heat with enough water to come one inch up the side of the pot. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water from the pot and mash up the potatoes with the sour cream, milk, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the potatoes are mashed, stir in the scallions.
8. Serve one of the loaves of meatloaf and the potatoes with the green beans alongside. Save the second meatloaf for Shepherd's Pie.


Bon Appetit!