The Angel Forever

Off Limit Topics

Posted on September 16, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Blogging is often something that I consider to be therapeutic. When TechyDad and I had to cancel our trip to Walt Disney World a few weeks ago because of Hurricane Irene, writing helped me to deal with my feelings. On the flip side, I also wrote about the need for couples time when we started to plan our trip. It was calling me out on the fact that even though I am a parent, spending time with my husband alone is not something I should feel guilty about.

Although I write on my blog about certain topics, there are definitely others that I would LOVE to write about, but I hold back. Being an adult and doing the responsible thing can stink at times, especially when you want to vent, yell, scream, and or/or even gloat.

Last year, the H-E Double Hockey Sticks that was the school we pulled our son out of because he was assaulted (and then some) was one of those items. I wrote a vague post here and there, but I did not go into details. You see, certain things are our business and I did not want something on my blog being tossed back in my face (people at school read my blog). Another item that stopped me is I had not blogged leading up to the incident. It probably seemed more drastic if you didn’t have all of the points to connect in the story.

School related items are not the only things that I avoid. I never blog anything negative about family members (duh), keep to positive experiences because who wants to dwell on the negatives, I never blogged about my classroom when I was teaching, and try not to debate politics and/or religion. There is enough drama in the world and I just do not need that in my life.

So my question to you this week:

What topics and or items do you avoid on your blog and why?

The beautiful thing about blogging is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. So long as you stay true to yourself, you can continue to morph and spread your wings over time.

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha #169

Categories:
Aloha Friday looking back me moments

Cupcake Crazy With Bettie’s Cakes

Posted on September 15, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It is no secret that I really like making, baking, decorating, and even buying cupcakes. The unfortunate part for my waistline is that there are a bunch of amazing cupcakeries in the area. One of them was even featured on Cupcake Wars on Food Network the other day.

On the night that we should have been dining at Disney World, TechyDad and I went out to dinner while the kids stayed with Nana and Papa. After our amazing meal, we both wanted something special for dessert. So we went to try some sweet treats from Bettie’s Cakes at the local mall. Yes, there is actually a cupcake stand in the food court. Insert drool here:

In the end, TechyDad and I were eyeballing the monster cookies. Of course, we HAD to try a cupcake. We agreed to get a Rasberry Zinger to split between us. Check out the amazing packaging that gets the cupcakes home safe and sound:

Are you hungry yet? No? Well, I think we need to remedy that with some more cupcake photos when the Rasberry Zinger and cookies made it home.

Although the cupcake was moist, delicious, and the frosting really great – my heart skipped a beat for the cookie. It was ooey, gooey, and amazing. My only complaint (which others will scoff at), is that it had a bit too much chocolate in it for my taste. I know the horrors – right?

On Sunday, we took the boys to Hoffman’s Playland for what will likely be the last time this season. In front of Hoffman’s is a new location for Bettie’s Cakes. Yes, there are three locations, plus two cupcakery vehicles including their double decker pink bus. After going on some rides, we went in to check out Bettie’s ice cream or baked goods for a treat.

The three boys opted to have a small ice cream (which was rather large). Each ice cream comes with a topping of your choice.

JSL picked Death By Chocolate with gummy worms.

NHL picked Bettie’s Three-Ring Circus – which was cotton candy flavored. He added marshmallows on top.

TechyDad had Cookie Bookie and topped it with Reece’s Pieces.

I was not too enthused with the ice cream choices. The cupcakes looked interesting, but well there was something else that really caught my eye. Here she is:

The boys loved their ice cream, and I took half of my cookie home even after sharing with everyone. Check the boys out. I think you can tell they were very happy:

It was not something we do often, but well worth it for some delicious family fun and together time. Thank you Bettie for this experience that we will always remember.

Do you have cupcake places by you? Do any of them deliver or have special flavors like Blueberry Pancake, Chocolate Covered Pretzel, Chocolate Covered Cherry, or Boston Cream (all coming later this week)? Would love to hear about them since I really do adore cupcakes. The weekly flavors at Bettie’s are always listen online – which is a great perk.

Disclosure: I wrote this post as a customer of Bettie’s Cakes. We went there and bought our items both times. I wanted to share our experience and toot the horn of a great local business. I reserve the right to drool upon reading this and wishing for another visit soon.

Categories:
baking decisions food glorious food fun jsl Local Business nhl photos TechyDad yummy

One Last Trip to Hoffman’s Playland – 2011

Posted on September 14, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Categories:
brothers fun jsl Local Business my boys nhl summer TechyDad weekend Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tales – The Reading Ultimatum

Posted on September 13, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Tuesday Tales

We are now into the second week of school here. Over the summer, I made sure that NHL read books while playing outside, going to events at the library, and other items in the community. Of course, something else happened over the summer. My nearly eight year old son became a gamer. If we would allow him to spend the entire day playing Nintendo Wii and/or his Nintendo DS – he probably would.

This became worse after NHL’s birthday in mid August. You see, NHL received a game for his DS that he HAD to finish. Day and night we heard about this game on the bottom of the picture.

Yes, my kiddo was really into Harry Potter in this format. Of course, I am hoping that we can translate his intrigue of Snape, Voldemort, and Hermione into the books. I would love to read them with NHL since it has been a long time since I started the series.

Now that school is back in session, NHL’s time outside of school is limited. He has Hebrew School obligations that are also taking up two days a week. Thanks to this, reading seems to have taken a major step back. As a reading teacher, I am not happy with this. So last night, when NHL would not come up for air from his Nintendo DS, I came up with a new system. Once NHL is finished with his homework, has gotten some play time outside (or Wii Sports when it’s cold/rainy), he must read one of his books to earn gaming.

Just one day in and NHL seems to get this new system. He woke up this morning and curled up on the couch with his book. Monday evening before heading to an appointment, he sat down with his Phineas and Ferb book and tallied up some more reading. Although early in the game, I do believe this may work well.

Have you ever had to do a reading system with your child to swap out for another item that they would prefer to do? I would love to hear any of your experiences.

Of course, since this is Tuesday Tales, I must ask the usual question. What have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Book Posts, and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

Categories:
books decisions nhl school Tuesday Tales

Rally for Recess with Danimals

Posted on September 12, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

I have to admit something right now. When I was teaching, recess duty was one of my least favorite parts of the day. You see, recess meant heading outside with the kids, often freezing while they ran around and got rid of some much needed energy. Living in the northeast, even on those cold and snowy days, we were outside. There were only certain temperatures and wind chills that would keep us inside. On those days, I could see the importance of recess. It was a time for the kids to run, play, and get stresses out. They would walk around the track and chat with buddies, or chase each other around and climb on a playground. It really didn’t matter what they did – it was their free time to move their bodies before heading back inside to work for the rest of the afternoon.

Now, as the parent of two children in school, I watch to see if they have recess every day. In addition to this, I want to know if they will have PE and or time in the gross motor room (that’s the preschool indoor room). I know the days that my older son has PE. He seems more focused and still adores learning to play sports and I hope he keeps this throughout his lifetime.

When I received an e-mail from Mom Central telling me about the new Danimals ‘Rally for Recess’ Blog Tour, I immediately signed up. If I could help to spread the word about this great project they have I wanted to. We were sent a giftcard to purchase our own Danimals products. I would share a picture, but, well, they gobbled the Smoothies before I was able to get a photo.

So what do you do?

Purchase specially marked Danimals products that have codes on them.
Sign up online and enter codes for credit
Help your school earn the most points in their league

The top five schools will win a $20,000 playground makeover and ultimate recess day. There are also instant prizes and other details available on the Rally for Recess website. The programs runs through February 8, 2012. You can find codes on Danimals packaging (or free by mail) to enter and register schools online. The top school in each of the five categories (based on size) with the most codes registered wins!

Be sure to tell your school about this opportunity. With recent budget cuts, they can use your help to try to revamp their recess equipment. Lots of families probably purchase Danimals for yogurt snack options and can take a few moments to register their school for possible prizes. Imagine the smile on the faces of the children if your school wins the big prize.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Danimals and received a gift card to facilitate my review. In addition to this, I received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. All opinions are 100% mine and in no way influenced.