The next best thing since Jelly

Ever try to invent something? And I mean invent something that is truly unique and there is nothing of its kind out there already? If you have ever seen ABC's The Shark Tank (coming back in March!), you know how tough it is. I think it is dang near impossible! 

Unless you so happened to be the inventor of this.

Or this. 

Or this.  

Ok, so it can be done. But let me tell you my ventures in inventing..


A few years ago, I thought I had a genius idea that would revolutionize the lives of elementary school moms across the world. As I was supposed to be studying at the library one night, it was all I could think of. I thought I had truly created something unique. I was pumped. Here's how silly little me thought I was going to make the big bucks one day:  

The Problem: The Jelly part of the PB+J. 

The PB part of the PB+J equation is typically effortless for most creators of this straightforward meal. Smooth and easy spreadin', whether using crunchy PB or regular. It is on in a few seconds and you are left with half of a beautiful sandwich, hopeful for the J that is shortly to come. 

J, on the other hand, can give you a sticky run for your money. Personally, I have wars with my J. I either end up tearing holes in the slice or am left with a chunky, runny, ugly mess on the other half of what should be a classic delicacy. (I hear you...this is all before the days of squeezable bottles, and pre-mixed PB&J, mind you) (OH and YUCK to the pre-mixed kind, btw!). 

The Solution: Sliced Jelly! Sliced cheese work great for your turkey sandwich so I figured, 'why not sliced jelly?!' Convenient, quick and most importantly mess-less. I thought it was was a goldmine if I could figure out how to execute the 'minor' details. 

An eager Google search to see if there was anything of it's kind out and I learned in seconds that there was a patent pending for my very idea. A group of students from OU it said. (sssssssss!) My ship instantly sank. It was back to the lame-o studying for me. (I have not researched the jelly slice issue again until now and I could not find anything. Hmm....maybe I DO have a chance!:))

I was not trying to invent something revolutionary like my sliced jelly or make the big bucks  when I did this particular stunt a few weeks ago, but when I saw this face plate....I immediately thought, "I shoulda done that!!" Again, a lost opportunity where I was sooo...closee...

Check out what I mean.

Their snack plate:

These lil' guys/gals will run ya $15/ea and are re-useable.

My snack plate: 

These lil' critters are free but for one-time use only. Dang it, 

their idea wins. ;)

Maybe I should have taken this one all the way to the top a little sooner. :) 

"Dolce and..."

padded bike shorts?! That's right. No D&G, here. I'll be trading my Gabana (or lack thereof) for a new look. The style I'll be rockin' proudly (or not-so proudly', rather) is all spandex. Shiny, tight and unforgiving spandex, baby. When this nasty weather decides to clear up, that is. :) 


Since Justin and I are training for a triathlon and biking makes up 1/3 of the -'athlon', we decided bikes were probably a necessity if we wanted to try and look semi-prepared for the race. So...I am now the proud owner of a juicy red "Dolce Sport" and it truly is sweet. 

Granted, I might not be singing sweet love ballads for long (learning to clip in and out is going to be a new and most likely hazardous experience for me! eek!) but I am excited about this ruby red and the adventures she will lead me on. Or rather, I will lead her on :) 


Justin got a similar bike in a cool blue (pics to come), so if you see what resembles an American flag zipping through the city...know it is us, representing the US of A on our patriotic wheels. Goooo USA!


Here's to letting go of my pride, taking some awkward falls and looking goofy in padded spandex!

I.heart.PB&J.

I saw this recipe for PB&J heart cookies on MarthaStewart.com and had to share. If you are following my previous post on healthy snacking, you can make a few substitutions to the ingredients below but let's be real honest with each other...these treats will be tastiest when left in their original state. Butter, sugar and all. It's ok to make exceptions for a sweet valentines PB&J, right!? ;) I think yes. Life is short :)

How cute would these be in your kiddo's (or husbands:)) lunch?!

Recipe: 

Makes about 2 dozen 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour


1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1/3 cup raspberry jam, stirred to loosen

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Beat butter and sugars with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Beat in peanut butter, then egg. Reduce speed to low, and beat in flour mixture until dough forms. If dough is sticky, refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 1 1/2 inches apart. Press into 1 3/4-inch rounds. Press hearts into centers using your fingertips. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and reshape hearts using your fingertips or the handle of a wooden spoon. Fill indentation of each with a generous 1/2 teaspoon jam to form a heart. Bake until cookies are firm, 6 to 7 minutes more.