A battle of epic proportions

VS.

Lately there has been some debate among a few select people in my life of who would be left standing in an epic battle between Jason Bourne and Batman. Now, I love Batman as much as the next girl, but if it comes right down to it, I'm pretty sure Bourne would come out victorious. Now, in order to prove this, I have gathered some neutral and very extensive research for you to consider.

(click chart to enlarge)

Here is how I envision it going down: Batman and Jason Bourne meet in a dark alley. While Batman is waiting for Bourne to monologue, Bourne uses a trash can lid and a discarded turkey-leg to pummel Batman and take his utility belt. When Batman goes for his Batarang to finish off Bourne, Bourne delivers a swift kick to Batman's neck-bone. Bourne then takes Batman's wallet and looks in it. Bourne discovers that Batman is, in fact, Bruce Wayne. He tells Wayne that he knows where he lives; and if he tries to follow him he will "bring the fight to Wayne Manor." Bourne then mounts the bat-pod motorcyle (to go finish off the joker) and rides a wheelie down the street while this plays in the background.


Now, you may agree and you may not. Either way, go vote for the ultimate winner here.

Temecula with the Becula (I'm practically Emily Dickinson)

Okay, should be working out RIGHT NOW, but I'm not, I'm blogging my trip to Old Town Temecula with Becca and my mom yesterday. Old Town is just a quaint little main street of shops, botiques, foodie stores with all kinds of yummies and doodads that make you want to splurge on everything just so you can have complete buyers remorse when you get home. The theme is pretty much of an old western town. We started off our little excursion with (of course) a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks (manna from heaven sweet nectar of life!!)

We popped in and out of shops and I found out that Rebbecca has an almost unhealthy obsession with Train sets. Here she is in her FAVORITE shop of the street. It's a train shop.




That's okay, because here's my favorite shop.


Yes, that's right, The Bank of Mexican Food. I think I would like to open an account there in the near future.

After browsing for while, Becca lead us down a side street to go here:



and apparently this was really the main reason we came. Yes, we drove 45 minutes for Nuts. But hey- like the sign says They're the hottest nuts in town.

Here are some more eye candy from trip. I have to say my favorite find of the day is the Loch Nessa Monster Topiary. I think he belongs in my yard (considering I spent the majority of my adolescense being called "Nessie.")













Becca left today and we are bummed. We miss her already. Come back soon, Bec!!

Peace on Earth

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope peace and happiness find you today where ever you may be as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

-Vanessa

It's beginning to look a lot like cupcakes...

Every year I try to make a new set of handmade ornaments and this year I knew I couldn't let the season slip by without attempting to make a cupcake look alike. I think they turned out pretty good. What do you think? They look perfect on my candy themed tree and Sydney had a great time helping me and hanging them. I also gave a few away as gifts to a few friends who I knew would appreciate a little cupcake in their holidays. I think I'll try to make some more next year in different colors. I thought they would be so sweet given away as a set of 6 in a little truffle box.


Here's what I did in case you'd like to make some for yourself.

Ingredients (supplies)

12 1 1/4 diameter styrofoam balls
1 packet of silver or gold bon bon liners
hot glue (lots and lots of hot glue)
1 tube of white latex caulking
caulking gun
sparkles in your choice of colors
plastic pony beads in matching colors to sparkles
ribbon, coil or fishing line to thread and hang ornament



1. First cut the styrofoam balls in half so you have 25 semi-spheres.




2. Heat up glue gun.




3. Fill bottom of foil bon bon wrapper with hot glue and press one of them semi-spheres down into it. Set asid and allow to cool and harden.



4. Using the caulking gun, pipe latex caulking onto styrofoam bon bons. In order to get it to "pipe" nicely, make sure you cut a fairly large hole for the caulking and cut it at more than a 45 degree angle.







5. Immediately decorate with glitter (or your 'sprinkles')



6. Top with a pony bead. VERY gently press the pony bead into the caulking, do not press too hard or it will sink. Also, make sure to place the bead so the holes of the bead are running sideways so you will be able to thread hanging wire through it.



7. Warm oven to 175 degrees. Place ornaments in oven and let them "bake" for about 2 to 3 hours. Let them cool, thread your hanging line or ribbon and your are set!


I chose to do traditional Christmas red and green, but you could do any color combo here. Wouldn't pink and silver glitter with pink beads look cute? I was afraid they wouldn't look realistic enough, but my fears have been eliminated since I just received a call from a dear friend informing me their three year old attempted to take a bite! Enjoy!

9

Nine years ago today I married the most amazing man in the world. I still can't believe I got so lucky. Seriously people! He is my best friend and I'm also completely nuts about him. He puts up with all my crap and also doesn't let me get away with anything. He's handsome and smart and funny and strong and a good man. AND knows how to fix things and will, no matter the cost, always try to make me the happiest I can be. Seriously, could a girl like me ask for anything more? I really can't.



We met in college and I must tell you that he was completely head over heels for me the moment he even laid eyes on me, and I mean bad... (or at least I'd like to think so.)
All I know is that it only took one date for me to realize I was officially tainted from all other guys. No one could ever compare again and no one ever has.




We're not a mucho romantic couple who make big grandiose statements of love and affection. Today there will be no roses or candlelight dinners or endless claims of endearment, probably more like some In and Out Burger, sarcasm and a quick trip down memory lane. You know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I shudder to think of my life without you. I love you, Jon. Everyday. Forever. You make me so happy. Thank you for 9 amazing years and hopefully 99 more.

Santa Bribes...

Chocolate Cupcakes with Candy Cane Buttercream Icing

Trust me, put these bad boys out for the big man and he'll make sure your on the nice list! So fast, so easy and SO YUMMY! Enjoy!

1 box chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup butter-softened
1 1/3 cup water
3 eggs

Mix together at medium speed for 2 minutes, fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 22 minutes. Cool completely.

1 cup butter room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons of milk
3 candy canes

Remove candy canes from wrapper and place in heavy duty ziploc bag. With rolling pin or hammer, completely crush candy canes, I mean seriously pulverize them into dust. Set aside.

Whip butter and vanilla. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk. If too thin add more sugar, if too thick add more milk until you get a nice spreadable consistency. Add crushed candy cane and whip for 2 minutes. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy cane dust. YUM!

Giveaway

My friend Amy is having a giveaway and she's the awesomest of awesome. Seriously go check it out and enter. She is the nicest girl and makes the absolute cutest stuff. She's giving away four unique and different prizes. My favorite has to be the black and white zipper pouch.

Why are you still reading? Click the link already!