Author: Ang Anderson

Snowdrift

Posted on by Ang Anderson

Last night, we braved the sub-zero temperatures for a family bowling night with friends.  The wee ones had a blast and so did the adults.  My score could have been better but I wasn’t really there to compete.  Taking a bowling class in college to fulfill a Phy Ed credit and then bowling once every 2.7 years does not exactly qualify me for any bragging rights.  I was just there to enjoy myself and after our server suggested this lovely porter to me, my enjoyment level kicked up a few notches.

Here are the details from the Leine’s page:

Leinenkugel’s® Snowdrift Vanilla Porter™ is brewed with a select blend of seven malts revealing layers of caramel, chocolate and coffee notes. Aged on real vanilla, this brown and ruby-hued brew imparts a slightly spicy aroma from its creamy body that’s ideal for the season.

Hmm..caramel…chocolate…coffee…and vanilla…

It’s truly a mystery as to why I liked it so much.  *smiles*

Here is a little look-see:

bg_snowdrift

Photo courtesy of the Leine’s page.

Doesn’t it look dee-licious?  I’m a fan of the dark side of beers so this has officially been added to my list of favorites.  It’s seasonal so best to get while the gettin’ is good.  With snowdrifts all around, it seems rather fitting.  Cheers!

Cupid Came Early

Posted on by Ang Anderson

valentine blondies

This is a rare sight to behold.  A post about a holiday before the holiday.  Last year, I was able to do that with Valentine’s too.  It must be a sure sign of what I refer to as the Minnesota Winter Doldrums.  Symptoms include but are not limited to:  frequent hand lotion application, requirement of boots, hats, mittens, scarves, and puffy jackets just to step outside, dreams of tropical destinations, along with abrupt and fascinating addiction to The Vampire Diaries. {I may or may not be willing to admit to having devoured three seasons in three weeks.} *gasp*

I wanted to share a sweet treat with you, considering that you too may have a bit of time on your hands, avoiding the wind chill and suffering from similar MWD complications.

I tried a new recipe for blondies and graced them with some gorgeous red, pink and white M & M’s in honor of the upcoming holiday.  Nothing fancy but definitely on the yummy side.

Brown Sugar Blondies
from Baked Perfection

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup to 1 1/3 cup M&M’s

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.  Melt 1/3 cup butter.  Add 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well.  Cool slightly.  Add egg (beaten) and vanilla and blend well.  Add flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing well.  Mix in 2/3 cup M&M’s.  Spread in 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/3 to 2/3 cup M&M’s on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

P.S.  These may also give you a bit “extra” for the hibernation period so go do some jumping jacks for each bar consumed.  Or not.

P.P.S.  Did you notice that I photographed a corner piece?  *Love.*  *Favorite.*  *Best.*

Work Smart

Posted on by Ang Anderson

Do you ever find yourself sitting at your kitchen counter, typing away on your laptop, with your left foot on the floor and your right foot on the bar stool rung, right cheek on the seat cushion and left cheek off?  Or do you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat like the hunchback of Notre Dame?  Do you find yourself sore and tense with aches and pains?  Do you become so enthralled in your work, web-surfing, pinning, or Facebook creeping that you lose all track of time?

I ask so many ‘do you’s’ because I do.  I seem to suffer from sitting at the computer for any length of time.  My body does not like it.  These ailments simply cannot be occurring because I am aging.  Because I’m not. (Sometimes a girl has got to lie to herself.  What can I say?  It keeps me young.)  Nor can they be occurring because I have bad posture.  (Okay, sometimes I have bad posture.)  My point is, sitting at the computer does not usually result in a relaxed state for my muscles. (Two glasses of wine?  Yes.  Computer?  Not so much.)

That is why I was so excited to make this delightful discovery a few weeks ago.  I found a tool called Work Smart, which allows you to do just that.  The software pops up with reminders prompting you to partake in different stretches while you sit at the computer.  It is a great way to take breaks and stretch different muscles to prevent tension and tightness.  (Because there are just times when it is deemed inappropriate to drink wine.  Like at 9am.  Or when someone is paying you to, um… work.)

So, this little guy now resides on my desktop and keeps me in check.

WorkSmart

I thought it was worth a mention because on the days I use it, I can definitely feel a difference.  In this age of technology, I am pretty sure we are all engaged with one beloved screen or another so I thought you might like to know about this sweet little tool.  With it I am more aware of my body while I am sitting at the computer.  I tend to keep both cheeks on the seat.  I sit back.  I sit up straighter.  I am also glad for the breaks.  Because normally I get so enthralled with what I am doing, three hours blink by and then I realize I have to pee.  It is only then that I finally get off my derrière and attempt to move the stone statue my body has been molded into.

It allows you to set your work time and your pause time so you can customize it to your preference.  The stretches can also be set to focus on your back, shoulders, head and neck, or hands and wrists.  You can also choose a male or female demonstrator for the stretches.

In case you are curious, you can check out the HealthWize link to Work Smart here.

Also on the HealthWize site is a link to the Pomodoro Technique, which is a way to stay focused on your work and improve productivity.  The developer of the Pomodoro Technique is Francesco Cirillo who just happens to live in Roma, Italia.  (Does this wanna-be Italian girl think that is cool?  Yes, I do.)  You can check out more about the Pomodoro Technique here.

Here’s to better habits in 2013!