Till Then Smile Often

Samoas Rice Krispies

 It is Girl Scout Cookie season and my favorite of all the cookies are the Samoas. The creamy caramel, the coconut and the chocolate is such a good mix. I am not saying this will save you some calories from the Girl Scout version but it is a mix of one childhood dessert with another one. I mean who doesn’t like Rice Krispie treats?! Wait, don’t answer that I don’t want to know. So dig in!!

 

Samoas Rice Krispies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

Base: 1/4 cup butter ~ 15 oz mini marshmallows  (about a bag and a half)~ 1/3 cup caramel bits ~ 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal  ~ 6 oz chocolate chip (semi-sweet)

Topping: 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut  ~ 15 oz of caramel bits ~ 3 Tablespoons milk (I used Almond Milk) ~ 1/4 teaspoon salt (Topping recipe adapted from here)

Directions:

For the Base: Melt the butter and the 1/3 cup caramel bits in a double boiler (or in a metal bowl placed inside another pan of boiling water).

Once both are melted add the marshmallows stirring constantly until smooth.

Samoa Rice Krispies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a separate bowl add rice krispies and top with the marshmallow mixture. Stir until completely mixed together.  Press the rice krispies into a pan.

NOTE: When I made this I used a 9×13 pan and the base was too tall, making them hard to bite into. I suggest either 2-8×8 pans or 1-11×15 pan.

For the Topping: Add the caramels, milk and salt to the double boiler.

Samoa Rice Krispies

Samoa Rice Krispies

 

Stirring until smooth, remove from heat and stir in the coconut. Pour onto the rice krispies and spread smooth.

Samoa Rice Krispies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melt the chocolate in the double boiler, once smooth add on top of caramel mixture. Allow the rice krispies to set for about 30 minutes before serving.

 

Print
Samoas Rice Krispies
 
Ingredients
  • Base: ¼ cup butter ~ 15 oz mini marshmallows  (about a bag and a half)~ ⅓ cup caramel bits ~ 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal  ~ 6 oz chocolate chip (semi-sweet)
  • Topping: 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut  ~ 15 oz of caramel bits ~ 3 Tablespoons milk (I used Almond Milk) ~ ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. For the Base:
  2. Melt the butter and the ⅓ cup caramel bits in a double boiler (or in a metal bowl placed inside another pan of boiling water). Once both are melted add the marshmallows stirring constantly until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl add rice krispies and top with the marshmallow mixture. Stir until completely mixed together. Press the rice krispies into a pan.
  4. NOTE:
  5. When I made this I used a 9x13 pan and the base was too tall, making them hard to bite into. I suggest either 2-8x8 pans or 1-
  6. For the Topping:
  7. Add the caramels, milk and salt to the double boiler. Stirring until smooth, remove from heat and stir in the coconut. Pour onto the rice krispies and spread smooth. Melt the chocolate in the double boiler, once smooth add on top of caramel mixture. Allow the rice krispies to set for about 30 minutes before serving.
 

 What is your favorite Girls Scout cookie?

You can also still enter the giveaway for the $50 PayPal cash here.

Martinis & Bikinis

signature

Wait, What Just Happened…

If there is anything you can be sure of, it is that Monday is going to come faster than you want it to come. This week is no different. I didn’t take a lot of pictures since I was running about a lot but I did do quite a bit.

Weekend

Friday: I went to pickup my new FitBit that I ordered online from Best Buy and then had the worst experience with them when they gave me the wrong item. I got hung up on twice basically telling me it was a mistake and to go find the right one myself and exchange it. After talking to the manager I did end up getting 20% off but will considering getting item elsewhere from now on. I did some chores around the house and read a little bit of my book. A Man of His Own by Susan Wilson. I also got in extra snuggle time with Seamus (1).

Saturday: I finished my book in the morning and it was a 5 star book. I really loved the telling of the story and the ending was not happy, or sad, but how it was supposed to end. I went grocery shopping early once I figured out what I was going to make for Girl’s night. I spent the majority of the day cleaning my house because the girls were coming over but to be honest more so because it was a mess. I had cheese and crackers out with Moscato for the wine. I made Beef Enchiladas (2&3) for dinner, then we had Samoas Rice Krispies (4) for dessert. Poor things were my taste testers for another recipe too that I was working on. I entered a contest for a Citrus Recipe so I made an Iced Orange Dill Thyme Breakfast Roll (5) for my entry. I did end up with a new mug and the sign (7) “All You Need Is Love…And A Dog” which was perfect.

Sunday: I spent the morning making a few batches of the Breakfast rolls to make all the corrections and to take the final pictures. I also watched Runner Runner and Captain Philips (who cried like a baby at the end, this girl) while it was baking. Mid-afternoon I headed out to go shopping for the mug swap and along the way I saw this cute shirt (6) for dogs but Seamus is too fat for the medium. The rest of the night was for blogging and doing more cleaning. Such the glamorous life, I know! 😉

How was your weekend?

 
Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip

Before I leave you though I am part of a giveaway for a $50 Paypal cash so don’t forget to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 signature

My Heart Is So Full

Happy Freaking Friday!! I have to say this is the best Friday ever! A lot to go through so let’s get to it.

 One: I feel like my posts all week have been dog centered but its my blog and I do what I want. Just kidding. I found some lumps on Seamus and I was so nervous seeing as my kitty passed away a little over a year ago to feline breast cancer, that started with finding lumps.  I wanted to get him looked at, better safe than sorry. So I stressed all week and cried a bit waiting for his appointment. I am so happy to report that it was just a fatty tumor (totally common and NOT cancerous) and he is ok!! He is a little chunky monkey though since the Winter hasn’t allowed for long walks since the snow drifts are higher than he is tall, so he will be getting more exercise.

Seamus-1

At the Vet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two: I have not finished this book yet but I am loving it so far. It is told in multiple voices including the voice of a German Shepard that is tied to Rick Stanton and then to Kellan Nicholson once he is sent off to War as a K-9 service dog and Kellan as his handler. It goes on to tell the story of how after war the two men, the dog and Rick’s wife cope to life after war. The war (WWII) is a back story and not too heavy detailed so don’t worry it’s relevant but not over done. It is more the story of people, how they interact, and how a dog can bring people together and make a difference. Unless the ending is horrible this may become a new favorite book.

A Man of His Own

Source

 

Three: The Mugs are back, of course.

Nikki from the The Pink Growl is a huge Luke Bryan fan and she has introduced me to a few country songs I now love.

Mug

Source

Helene from Helene in Between is the queen of EDM music and dances her booty off at Tomorrowland.

Erin from The Downdog Blog is going through a lot of changes lately including changing he blog name, moving across country, and starting a new job. What remains though is her love for Yoga, her dog Fred, and her manfriend.

 

 

Four:  I have been feeling a little down lately but trying to stay positive that it all will be good in the end. Besides, if it is not then it is not the end! 😉 

I do believe this to be true . . .

Source

 

Five: Blogger Book Club – Call me cheesy for doing a link-up within a linkup but this week has been crazy so I get a pass.

Wallbanger (Cocktail, #1)

Source

 

I was really worried I was not going to be able to fit this book in based on having 5 books already checked out of the library but it was a very quick read. I read this genre quite regularly so nothing shocked me about this book. Simon was the womanizer next door to Caroline. The book begins with Simon knocking boots so loud it knock the picture off the walls of Caroline’s bedroom.

Simon then moved on to two different women over the next two nights. The end up forming a tenuous friendship to which as you can guess turns romantic. The second part of the story is Caroline and her missing “O” after a bad experience with an ex. The banter between the two is quick witted and fun. They become good friends, watching scary movies and hijinks with Caroline’s cat.

I will say this was a quick read, the story moved fairly quickly except towards the end.  There were times it was very juvenile in the writing as if the author just wanted to say every dirty word possible. Some of the conversations they had within themselves were cliche and even pointed out how childish they were being. It wasn’t all bad and the relationship built and grew in a believable way. The more we learned about Simon the more you understood him better and liked him a lot. Overall I give it two stars, it is just ok. Not horrible but I have read better.

 

Well that is all I have for you today. Get out and enjoy the weekend. I know I will since I am getting together with my two best friends!  

 

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

 

The Best of Intentions

 signature

Pets Are People Too

I spent about two and a half years volunteering at a local shelter. It was the best time and if I didn’t move too far away I would still be spending time volunteering. It is where I met Seamus. That crazy little nugget stole my heart and I was forever smitten.

Seamus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The work that the volunteer’s do daily is astounding. There is usually a cat group, a dog group, medical staff, and administrative group. Some wear many hats and fit in multiple groups. On any given day we would do laundry, clean cages, cuddle pets, give shots, sort donations, do temperament tests and walk the dogs. The list of tasks are endless but the animals were always the most important thing to all the volunteers. I mean you aren’t there for the money! Yes, some shelter staff get paid but most are doing it for the love of animals.

Either way like the saying goes it takes a village….

Be The Change 2014
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BeTheChange-1

 

 

So this week I decided to check out a local shelter’s website and see if they listed any items that they needed for donation. This one happened to mention paper towels and plates among other things. Most people donate food so I wanted to go out of the norm since those items are less likely to get donated, but remember every little bit helps.

BeTheChange-3

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BeTheChange-6

 Remember not all Acts of Kindness have to cost money. You can donate your time too.

Are you considering doing your own Act of Kindness? If not, what is stopping you? Grab a button if you would like to spread the word. The change that we seek in others has to first come from within. This year I hope you decide to Be the Change You Seek.

Till Then Smile Often


signature

Confession Snuggles

We have entered the promise land. It is mid-week and the weekend is fast approaching. I am very excited for this weekend since i get to spend it with my two best friends. We always have a blast, lots of laughs. I am hosting this time so I may get to finally have some guinea pigs to test out some recipes! 😉 So on to some confessions.

* I have a doctor’s appointment for Seamus on Friday and I am so stressed about it. If you have been reading for awhile you may know that I lost my kitty Jasmine to feline breast cancer and it all started with feeling a lump on her belly. This past week I found a lump on Seamus on his belly and he has been growling when I pet his hind legs and parts of his belly which he never did before. Please keep him in your thoughts. I would be lost without him so hoping it is nothing major but better safe than sorry. Lots of snuggles are needed.

seamus

 

* I have this DIY project that I have been wanting to do for 2-1/2 weeks and I still haven’t done it! I really want to finish it and mail it out. It is a gift for a fellow blogger and I hope she likes it but I have to finish it first!!

* I confess I watch the Bachelor even though I could care less for Juan Pablo. If you saw the episode last night it was kinda hilarious. It was supposed to be dramatic but really it was Andi being a whiny BE-OTCH!!! Basically she broke up with him and then told him everything she hated about him. Don’t say “it’s ok” it’s annoying. Really?! I saw it as him validating that your feeling were valid and yours to make. Being rude is not OK!! Next time walk away with some dignity.

Once you hate someone,everything he does isoffensive. I mean... look at this idiot drinking coffee like he owns the place.

Source

 

*I have been getting back into my gym routine after missing too many days due to the snow and having to shovel instead. So to get a compliment when I felt like a total slacker was pretty great to hear. I was doing a superset of dumbbell curls and hammer curls with 20 lb dumbbells per arm. Though I have done 35 lbs before I slacked.


  * We are supposed to get more snow today and I just might lose my mind. We still have about a foot of snow that still needs to melt. So depressing.

Source

*After everything that happened with my basement flooding and the mold I am extremely paranoid of the air quality in my house. It is totally irrational but I bought an air purifier, vacuumed out my air ducts this weekend and doing a radon test of my basement.

Well that is all I have for you, only so much crazy can be put in one post! Hope this day goes by quickly for you!

Linking up with Kathy from Vodka and Soda for Humpday Confessions and with Liz from Fitness Blondie for the Hump Day Blog Hop.

Ryan-Gosling-button

The Hump Day Blog Hop
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
signature