So News...of sorts

Today I had my first interview since I was let go at the end of August.  Honestly, I'm kind of shocked it took this long to obtain one interview.

Let me tell you.  Searching for a job these days is a LOT different than when I last had to do it.  Back then, I answered a blind ad in the newspaper.  Today, it involves trawling online trying to weed out the scammy posts.  Which, let me tell you, makes job searches exhausting.

I will give credit to a majority of the companies, I've applied to - at the very least most of them are responding that they've received my application and turning around to tell me that despite my "very impressive" resume, they've decided to go in another direction. *sigh*

Today's phone interview was just a quick "meet and greet" to explain the company (an industry I'm not really familiar with) and I guess to garner just how interested I am in the position (very).

I should note here, that I have been targeting remote roles only - because I honestly don't want to have to go into an office if I don't have to; and after the lockdown it has been more than proven that I can actually do my job from home.

So when she mentioned that for locals this was a hybrid position, I was a little concerned.  Were they expecting me to move?  No, in fact, it turns out that if a non-local person secures this position it will be 100% remote.  Which makes me really want this job.

I sent a thank you email, after the interview and then immediately wondered; is this something people do anymore in this digital age?  I'm thinking it's not the norm anymore. 

I think the interview went well.  She promised to get back to me either way.  So now, we wait, with crossed fingers and toes - because I really think this job would be a good fit for both of us.

Shower Thoughts

 I DESPISE showering in the winter in this house.  The Husband made a miracle happen a few years ago and installed a vent heater in our bathroom.  But, that little heater can't keep up in our frigid bathroom.  I'm not kidding when I tell you that room is at least 15 degrees colder than any other room in this house.

Well, this post went off the rails from the very beginning.  Because I meant start by telling you that I have recently determined that I will no longer use a "pouf" (those netted things) in the shower because I recently saw a post somewhere on the internet from a dermatologist who mentioned all the mold and bacteria found on those things; that I'd been mindlessly using.  I have since switched over to wash cloths; which honestly, I don't love but at least they don't skeeve me out.  And I KNOW they are clean because they get washed after each use.  Now I just need to go ahead and toss that pouf which is still hanging in my shower growing more moldy every day, I'm sure.

But the main reason I despise showering in the winter is because when I get out and set about moisturizing myself I am shivering beyond reason - even with the vented heater.

Then one day, my dad's voice registered in my head.  I remember clearly him telling me, when I was very young - because he and my mother hadn't divorced yet - that in order to not be so cold when getting out of the shower/tub to use cooler water.  Mind you, not cold but cooler.

And I shrugged that off as absolutely ridiculous because who doesn't love a hot shower?  I sure do.

But after one day a week or so ago; after shivering and unable to get warm - even after being dressed - I decided enough was enough.

So, now I have been taking tepid showers.  Is it ideal?  No it is not.  Does it work?  Yes, it does.  And, apparently, my skin (and my toes) are thanking me.

I am no longer shivering as I moisturize and by the time I get around from moving from the bathroom to my dressing room I'm actually pretty comfortable.  Bliss.

So what say you, friends?  Do you use a pouf?  Are you now as skeeved out about them as I am?  Could you brave a tepid shower in the winter?

DONE...finally!

 After the past three weeks of pure, manic, Christmas panic - as of five minutes ago, I am done.

All the presents and stocking stuffers bought and accounted for.  All the gifts wrapped, shipped (and received), and those that weren't shipped are ready to find their place under the tree. All the Christmas baking (well...except for whatever will be served Christmas Eve - but I feel sure that what my son will request can be done in under 20 minutes) is done.  Just in time for Suzanne's Christmas Cookie Swap.

All that's left is to create the cookie plates for the neighbors and friends, which will be done and delivered tomorrow.  And then to clean the house for Christmas Eve chaos.

This year I went with the usuals leaving out anything extra - as usual the cookie dough (minus the spritz) the was prepped and ready hanging out in the freezer since late October/early November - in theory, it saves SO MUCH TIME.  But the reality?  Making that many cookies - even with the prepared, thawed dough takes all afternoon.

Yesterday, I made chocolate chip cookies (around 70, I think) peanut butter (around 60) and the gingersnaps (also around 70).  Yes, I know - that's a LOT of cookies.

Today I made the peanut butter fudge (a double batch! My neighbor two doors down LOVES this fudge), a double batch of the infamous but ridiculously easy almond bark and the spritz cookies (around 80).  And although, I  finally figured out the secret to this dough last year; this particular cookie is still a significant amount of work and MESS to make.  I seriously thought about posting a picture of the state of my kitchen after making said cookies; but determined that my self-esteem could not live with the thought of that mess hanging out on the internet for all of eternity.

As I am unsure of the rule of the said Christmas Cookie Swap; I shall share the recipes for each treat below in the order in which my recipes are appearing before me as I type:

Almond Bark (amended to read "Ridiculously Easy and Incredibly Delicious Almond Bark")

6 squares of semi-sweet chocolate bar (1 bar)

6 squares of white chocolate (1 bar)

1 cup toasted almonds

Toast the almond (watch carefully; do not let them burn).  I usually do this on the stovetop in a skillet stirring constantly.  Microwave chocolate and white chocolate in separate bowls on high for 2 minutes or until almost melted.  Again, watch carefully.  I generally let it go for a minute, stop to stir and guesstimate how much more time will be needed.  I stop before it's fully melted to stir the chocolate until fully melted.  FYI, white chocolate seems to melt quicker than the semi-sweet. Stir equal amounts of almonds into each bowl.  On a was paper lined cookie sheet, alternately spoon melted chocolates.  Swirl chocolates together with a knife to marbleize.  Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.  Break into pieces.

Peanut Butter Fudge (also ridiculously easy)

1 cup of creamy peanut butter

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon of salt

4 cups(!) powdered sugar

Line an 8 inch or 9 inch square baking pan with foil; leaving an overlap to lift finished fudge out.

Melt the peanut butter and butter together in a large bowl (I use the microwave - again watching carefully). Stop the microwave every minute or so to stir the mixture until completely melted and smooth.  Once done, stir in the vanilla using a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon.   Add the salt and stir.  Add the powdered sugar and stir until completely combined.  The mixture should be very thick and resemble cookie dough.  Press the fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spatula or spoon.  Cover tightly with foil and chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.  Cut into pieces.

Gingersnaps

6 tablespoons shortening

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup molasses

1 egg

2 1/3 cup flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup sugar to roll dough balls in

In a large bowl cream sugar, shortening and butter.  Add molasses and egg and beat again until everything is combined.  In a separate bowl whisk together the dry ingredients; add to the butter mixture; mix well.  Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.  When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 F.  Roll dough in small balls.  Drop and roll in the extra sugar until fully coated.  Place balls 2 inches apart on a greased (or parchment paper lined) cookie sheet.  Bake for about 11 minutes for cookies that are crisp with a soft center or up to 13 minutes for a crispier cookie.

Peanut Butter Cookies

These might be my favorite cookies to make; my dad used this exact recipe to make these for us occasionally when we were kids.  They are also another neighbors absolute favorites.

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup of butter (unsalted

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed (and I mean PACKED) brown (preferably dark) sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 375.  Stir/whisk flour, soda and salt.  In a mixer bowl, beat butter for 30 seconds.  Add peanut butter and sugars; beat till fluffy.  Add egg and vanilla; beat well.  Add dry ingredients to the beaten mixture; beat till combined.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in granulated sugar, if desired (do it).  Place 2 inches apart on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  Crisscross each cookie with the tines of a fork.  Bake for about 10 minutes.  Remove and cool.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/12 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1  package of semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375.  Stir together flour, soda and salt.  In a mixer bowl beat butter and shortening for about 30 seconds.  Add sugars and beat till fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.  Add dry ingredients; beating until combined.  Stir in chocolate pieces.  Drop from a teaspoon 2 inches apart onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  Baked for 8-10 minutes.  Remove and cool.

And this is a representation of what my cookie plates will look like tomorrow.

Book Review: In The Garden of Spite - A Novel of The Black Widow of LaPorte by Camilla Bruce

Had you ever heard of one of the most prolific female serial killers in American history?

Neither had I until I picked up this fictionalized version of her atrocities.

And based on my internet sleuthing after reading this book; it may be the closest thing to the truth that we will ever know about Belle Gunness.

One of the descriptors of this book call it An Audacious Novel of Feminine Rage.  And while I do not condone killing people; after what this poor woman went through (I can't figure out if that part was the fictionalized part or not), I can kind of understand that her mind broke and led her to do what she did.

And what happened at the end?  Oh, well. I think that was the most horrific part and possibly broke her mind (and heart) even more.

After all this time, we will never know the true story of what actually went down; but this book gives as good a theory as we are ever going to get.

I simply could not put this book down.

Were the details of some of the killings a little graphic?  Yes.  But the underlying story was what kept pulling me back to this book.  To the detriment of my household chores, sadly.  I now have a lot of catching up to do.

Christmas Prep

 After sitting on the floor for approximately FOREVER yesterday while wrapping gifts, my panic over Christmas prep has been dialed back exactly ONE notch.

Also, this may be the last year spent on the floor wrapping; my poor back may never recover.

As of today, I'm done with my mother-in-law's gifts and almost ready to mail; I just need to find the perfect size box for mailing - the only ones I have on hand are either too small or too large (a true Goldilocks conundrum).  I feel pretty good about the kid's gifts (just couple more to procure) and stocking stuffers.  Absolutely at DEFCON ONE stage of panic about The Husband's (and, of course, he's not giving me any ideas) and two of the kids two doors down.  I realize parent's don't need the added hassle at this time of year of being asked for gift ideas; but I have no choice but to ask AGAIN.

Most of the cookie dough has been prepared and frozen, ready for baking - leaving only the Spritz Cookies, the peanut butter fudge and the almond bark - none of which can be prepared ahead of time, to my knowledge.

The tree is up, the porch lights are up.  Garland and stockings on the mantle. Battery operated candles in the front windows.  And that's it for Christmas decorations.

In the past few years, I have scaled WAY back on the decorations simply because putting them up and taking them down was exhausting.  Not to mention feeling far too cluttered.  I think I have hit on just the right amount of holiday decorating for us.

And after much waffling, and list culling, I've pulled the trigger and ordered cards which I will pick up tomorrow.

We are in full on holiday mode/panic around here.  How about you?

Thanksgiving/Christmas Countdown

Yes, believe it or not, I'm still here.

Thanksgiving is in TWO days and Christmas is less than a month away.  Am I prepared?  No, I am not.

But I'm trying.  I have procured all the supplies necessary for the pies that I want to make for Thursday.  And I plan on making them tomorrow.

This will be a slightly different Thanksgiving this year as we are not hosting - but instead will head two doors down to celebrate with our dear friends.  A and S will unfortunately not be joining us; heading to her parents instead.

I am being a good sport about this - this first Thanksgiving without my "baby" at the table.

Turns out that our Thanksgiving feast will also be a first.  Apparently, instead of the usual turkey dinner we will be dining on brisket and salmon.  And although, I thought I was ambivalent about turkey - I will miss the gravy, stuffing and turkey.  I have promised my husband that I will harass him about this travesty several times on Thursday; since our child won't be here to do the honors (that child is fanatical about tradition).

Yesterday, I tried to take advantage of the warmer weather to set up our outdoor lighting situation.  My pre-lit garland foiled that plan.  So this morning, I headed out to Michael's to procure new garland.  Only to have to turn around and go back to Michael's as the garland I bought wasn't long enough.  This wouldn't be an issue except for the fact that Michael's is at least 20 minutes away (one way).  But I persevered and got the lighting up before the cold weather hits (tomorrow).  And I hounded The Husband to get it all connected and ready to go.

Then, in a spurt of productivity I was able to get the rest of the decorations (tree, etc.) up.

Now, I just need to sit down and focus on present buying.  This particular chore has been put off even later than usual and now I need to get it done! 

I'm vacillating on whether or not to do cards this year.  Maybe if I can find some decent cards after making pies tomorrow.  No pictures since we haven't seen the kids often enough to find the time for pictures.  I really need to be more proactive about that next year (seems like I say this every year).

So what about you?  Are you set for Thanksgiving?  How about Christmas?

Book Review: The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

So far, Riley Sager has yet to let me down when it comes to his novels, and The House Across the Lake was no exception.

Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress, trying to elude a run of bad press, is pushed to her family's lake house in Vermont by her mother against Casey's wishes.  The very lake that made her a widow in the first place.

Once ensconced in the old lake house, armed with plenty of booze and an old pair of binoculars she inadvertently becomes obsessed with spying on her neighbors - a tech whiz and a former model.

A couple which makes it nearly impossible to not spy on.  Particularly after Casey pulls former model, Katherine, from the lake saving her from drowning.

From there you kind of think you know where this story is headed.  You are wrong.  Dead wrong.  I audibly gasped at one plot twist - it came out of nowhere.  

If a psychological suspense stories are your jam; you will love this one.  I promise. 

Book(s) Review - A Twofer - Strange Sally Diamond and Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent

 Ok friends, I cannot remember who mentioned Strange Sally Diamond (Nicole, somehow I think it was you) by Liz Nugent but I cannot thank you enough.

After spending months on the waiting list for it at the library, I finally received it a few days ago and I devoured that book.  Here's the synopsis from Amazon -

Reclusive Sally Diamond is thrust into the media spotlight when she tries to incinerate her dead father, causing widespread outrage. Now she’s the center of attention, not only from hungry reporters and police detectives, but also a sinister voice from a past she does not remember. As she begins to discover the repressed memories of her horrific early childhood, Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, big decisions, and learning that people don’t always mean what they say.
But who is the man observing Sally from the other side of the world, and why does he call her Mary? And why does her new neighbor seem to be obsessed with her? Sally’s trust issues are about to be severely challenged in this “truly incredible reading experience” (Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

For the first couple of pages I was thinking this might not be one that would grab my attention; but it quickly did and I was hooked.  I'm reluctant to say anything other than that Amazon synopsis because I'm afraid I'd give something away (there is a LOT to digest).

After I quickly finished that book, I went to the library to see what else they might have on the shelves from this author and I discovered Little Cruelties unfortunately, that was the only thing they had to offer.  

I also devoured this book in less than 24 hours.  Again, with the Amazon synopsis (yes, technically cheating when I let Amazon dominate the word count in this post but oh well...)

All three of the Drumm brothers were at the funeral.
But one of them was in the coffin.
William, Brian, and Luke: three boys, born a year apart, trained from birth by their wily mother to compete for her attention. They play games, as brothers do…yet even after the Drumms escape into the world beyond their windows, those games—those little cruelties—grow more sinister, more merciless, and more dangerous. And with their lives entwined like the strands of a noose, only two of the brothers will survive.
Hailed by New York Times bestselling author Shari Lapena as “brilliant, engrossing,” and perfect for fans of breathtaking suspense, Little Cruelties gazes unflinchingly into the darkness collecting in the corners of childhood homes, hiding beneath marriage beds, clasped in the palms of two brothers shaking hands. And it confirms that Liz Nugent is truly “a force to be reckoned with” (Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author) in contemporary fiction.

Liz Nugent appears to be a genius when it comes to creating stories about seriously dysfunctional family dynamics.  In comparison to the families she presents in these two books, my family looks positively normal (they are not, at all - but, boy howdy!, they aren't this bad!)

As I mentioned, this was the only title on the shelves at my library; but I will most definitely be requesting more titles from this author.

Puzzling

 I admit it, I'm usually a sucker for a puzzle.  But this particular puzzle?  I've despised from day one.

Let's back up.  I started this puzzle last year, prior to Christmas.  I never did finish, because Christmas snuck up on me and I had to dismantle the puzzle (I've got to invest in one of those mats that allow you to roll up with unfinished puzzle and put it away) in large sections (to keep from starting from scratch) so that the guest room bed would be accessible to the Newlyweds when they stayed over Christmas Eve.

Earlier this week, I finally pulled the puzzle back out and once again set out to finish the puzzle as I need something to pass the time (and, apparently, house keeping isn't it) now that I'm unemployed.  And guess what?  This time around, I hated this puzzle even more.

After much thought was given (while poring over the damn thing) I came to the conclusion that this puzzle didn't have discernable facial features (other than eyes) and the there was barely a discernable difference between the color variations.

In sum, it was frustrating.

So, I am happy to report that I finally finished the stupid puzzle....

Only to be faced with this...

A leftover piece that doesn't belong (or is a duplicate).  Infuriating.

I guess I now need to find a new, less infuriating puzzle to do.  Or embrace house keeping (which, quite frankly, needs to be done but still isn't ranking high on my list of quality "Passing the Time" list.).

Not a real post but THE Best Chocolate Cake Ever

The kids were coming over today to celebrate S's birthday...his 30th birthday - how did that child get so old??

So I decided to make a chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache.

Friends, that ganache had me worried.  There's something about heating cream (or milk) on the stove that makes me nervous.  I'd never made ganache before and I was seeing all these warnings about how finicky it can be.  Those people are liars.  It was super easy.

The cake itself I wasn't worried about because I've made it before and it has always turned out perfectly and today was no exception.

When I tell you this is the best chocolate cake ever; I am not even kidding.  It is the most moist and delicious cake that I have ever had the pleasure to eat.  In fact, I've seriously given consideration to giving up any other future cake endeavors in favor of this one (not really). 

So today, I figured I'd share the recipe.

Without further ado -

Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salet
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs - room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot freshly brewed coffee

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray two round cakes pans with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla.  Slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients just until incorporated.  The slowly beat in the hot fee until incorporated.

Pour the batter into the cake pans and bake for 35 minutes.

Original recipe found here.

I have made this cake with a peanut butter frosting (SO good), a raspberry cream cheese frosting and now with the ganache - and it hasn't failed me yet.  In fact, I'm already planning to use this recipe to make cupcakes for the cul-de-sac Fall block party later this month.  My only conundrum - what type of frosting.

This cake is so darn good - I even posted a
picture to Instagram (who am I?!)

Any suggestions for future frosting?  Do you have a fail safe cake recipe that has never let you down?  If not, you can have this one.