Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Secret Menus?

April writing...

The following is taken directly from...CNN.com

SECRET MENUS:

1. If you're at Starbucks and in need of just a little caffeine, don't worry -- there's a tiny option for you. It's the Short size, and they don't advertise it. It's like a little baby cup of coffee. It also comes in handy when you're scrounging for change and don't have enough for a tall (not that that has ever happened to me).

2. It's a good thing we don't have Jamba Juice here in Iowa, because I would be all over candy-based smoothies. Because it's considered a health-food chain, Jamba Juice doesn't officially list these on their in-store menus, but the Web site Mighty Foods assures us that the secret flavors exist.

The ones they confirmed with the company's headquarters include Strawberry Shortcake, White Gummy Bear, PB&J, Various flavors of Starbursts, Fruity Pebbles, Push-Up Pops, and Skittles. Other tantalizing flavors that are rumored to exist: Chocolate Gummi Bear, Apple Pie, Sourpatch Kid, Tootsie Roll, and Now and Later.

3. This one might be my favorite. At Fatburger, you can order a Hypocrite -- a veggie burger topped with crispy strips of bacon.

4. Chipotle has a whole secret menu that is limited only by your imagination -- they have a store policy that says that if they have the item available, they will make it for you. Things that have been tested include nachos, quesadillas, taco salads and single tacos. Some stores are testing out quesadillas as a regular menu item, however, so maybe someday soon you won't need a super-secret handshake to order one.

5. If you're at Wendy's and you're really hungry -- like, three-patties-just-won't-cut-it hungry -- go ahead and order the Grand Slam, which is four patties stacked on a bun. This option is only available at select Wendy's, and it's also known as the Meat Cube.

6. Several places, including McDonald's and In-N-Out, will serve you the Neapolitan milkshake. It's just what it sounds like -- chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes layered in a cup.

7. In-N-Out Burger's "secret menu" isn't so secret these days -- in fact, they've posted it on their Web site. But in case you're not in the habit of surfing fast food Web sites, here's the skinny on their rather un-skinny items: ordering something "Animal Style" at In-N-Out means you're going to get it with lettuce, tomato, a mustard-cooked beef patty, pickles, extra spread (it's sort of Thousand-Islandy) and grilled onions. You can even get your fries Animal Style.

"Protein Style" is a burger wrapped in a lettuce leaf instead of a bun. A Grilled Cheese is two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato and spread on a bun (grilled onions if you so choose).

And you can get just about any combo of meat and cheese that you want if you order it like you're ordering lumber: 3×3 gets you three beef patties and three slices of cheese, 4×4 gets you four of each, and so on. One item not listed on the Web site secret menu: the Flying Dutchman, which is two slices of cheese sandwiched between two patties, hold the bun.

8. Feeling a little health-conscious at Popeye's? If you are, you really should have gone somewhere else. But there's a little hope for you -- ordering "naked chicken" will get you breading-free poultry. The word is that this is on the menu at some Popeye's, but not all of them, although it is an option at all of them.

9. Like Chipotle, Taco Bell will make you just about anything within reason as long as they have the ingredients for it. Since most of the food at Taco Bell is made out of the same basic items, that means you can probably ask for most discontinued items and get them. One "secret," though, is that they have a not-advertised green chili sauce at most locations, and apparently it's excellent.

10. Some Subways will still make you the popular pizza sub from the 1990s. Once the chain decided to make their focus healthy eating, the pizza sub disappeared from the menu in most places (the word is that Canadian and Mexican Subways still offer them on a regular basis). But if you ask, lots of places will still make it for you. Be warned, though -- Jared would not approve of the nine slices of pepperoni and copious amounts of cheese slathered in marinara sauce.

------------------------------

Hmmmm...can anyone verify any of these? Interesting.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Where I was at midnight

April writing...

So this is the story of my mischievous pup, Pickle.


Pickle is my stubborn dog. He has to wear an electric collar so he won’t dig under the back fence and head into the neighbors yards, where there are bigger dogs waiting to ‘play.’


About 3 months ago, we let him out one night without his collar, cause we were headed to bed…and in that 3-5 minutes, he dug and got under the fence. (He liked to follow after the chipmunks that we have by our shed) The only problem was…he picked the back fence. (You see our backyard backs up evenly to two other back yards. We have a privacy fence, both of our back neighbors have privacy fences, plus there are two other chain link fences falling apart between the privacy fences.)


So that’s where he got stuck. Luckily, this night my husband was home and he is tall and skinny enough to wiggle his way between the fences and rescue Pickle. So after that night (I think he was traumatized for a while and steered clear of all of the fences) it hasn’t happened again….UNTIL LAST NIGHT.


Well, I let him out last night…with his electric collar on…because I had learned my lesson. I went in to get ready for bed. When I noticed that Pickle hadn’t come back inside I knocked on the back window to let him know it was time to come back in. I waited, and waited…nothing. So I figured that he was probably sleeping in the backyard, which he loves to do. So I walked out to get him. I called out his name and he wasn’t there. After my eyes adjusted (the lighting isn’t great in the back yard) I couldn’t see my little white dog anywhere. Then I heard him bark. Sure enough it was coming from what sounded like my back neighbors backyard. I thought to myself, “you have GOT to be kidding me!”


I ran inside, grabbed my tennis shoes and a flashlight. Then I ran around to the side of the house to get the ladder. Now this thing is heavy, so I am dragging it across the backyard! I lay it up against the back fence at the spot where I see he has dug his way under. I peeked over the fence and ran my light through the empty spaces in between the fence and sure enough…there he was about 25 feet down the fence line. He was stuck between to fence posts and wouldn’t try squeezing past to come back towards me.


So I moved the ladder over to where he was and tried to straddle the fences and to reach down between to grab the nap of his neck to pull him out. But…I have zero balance and my arms aren’t long enough…and I could see bad things happening. I was home alone (my husband was at work) so I knew that I would have to do this on my own. So I thought, well he got himself in there by digging, so I guess I will dig a new hole and get him out. So that’s what I did. I think in that process I must have scared Pickle half to death cause he wouldn’t’ dig from his side to help, that and I am sure he knew he was in trouble already. Not to mention he was being shocked every few seconds cause he had his collar on. Poor guy. Luckily it was on a pretty low setting.


Finally, he started digging, so while he got started, I ran into the house to grab my camera…as I am always the one to keep track of wonderful memories like this! Haha!


So here is where the video starts off…you have me, out of breath from running around, dragging a ladder and digging, just begging and encouraging my dog to dig himself out. Right before I turned on the camera, I had dug out enough space to reach under and at least grab his electric collar off his neck…so he wouldn’t get shocked anymore.


The whole ordeal lasted about 20 minutes I caught the last 3-4 minutes on film. Enjoy the video.



Pickle...stuck under the fence from April Eslick on Vimeo.


Monday, September 28, 2009

My Shop is OPEN

April writing...

My Etsy shop is officially open. I started it back in July, but never added any items. Currently I only have ONE active item, but I am getting busy with some projects this week to list more!!

...and I am always available outside of Etsy for gift purchases...just email me!!!



Click on the picture and it will take you to my shop! Like I mentioned above, I only have one active item, but more is coming soon!!

We will always have baby goodies available like booties, applique onesies, dresses, skirts, ties, etc!!! And as far as the "other treats" go...I am working on some purse and clutch designs, some eyeglass cases, pins and other accessories for Moms, Girlfriends and the like! I plan to eventually have Pet goodies as well!

It's an exciting creative outlet for me!!! So...spread the word...and get something for that sweet wittle one in your life! Check back often! I will be sure to post or add an Etsy widget when I add more items!!!

What does it look like?

April writing...

Saxony asked an awesome, thought provoking question on Facebook today.

What does it look like to respect your Husband?



Here's how I responded...

"I believe this is both a complex and simple answer. Here are my thoughts...Respect means to recognize the place of authority God has given your husband in the family. It means uplifting your husband, to his face, as well as to family and friends. You show respect by not seeking leadership or counsel from other persons, when you can talk to your ... Read MoreHusband. It means not fighting for leadership in the family. It's shown by not disregarding his words or feelings and by encouraging him. We can also show respect through our body language...alot can be said with an eye-roll or crossing of the arms.
Be patient, understanding and always communicate. An unspoken word roots bitterness in our hearts.
"

I would love to know what you think!!

Another post...

April writing...

Well I enjoyed my bloggy break. Although I can't say that I came back with any huge ideas on what to blog...but something will come to me, it always does. This is after all, the home of the random! :)

I feel busy and backwards.

Take for example my work desk calendar...August is still hanging up there...oops.

I think I have a couple times a year where I completely lose track of myself and I have to refocus and redesign how I do things. So I am working on it...I guess I will add my Bloggy persona to that list.

Until then, I plan to make good on my promise of these posts...
  • Project 365 update
  • My "Bump-It" review
So yeah...be ready...it's gonna be super exciting.

A few things I am excited about...I am selling some stuff on eBay...it's got a little over a day and half left and we are already making over $230!!! Let's here it for debt payoff!!! Also, this weekend is the Fall Retreat...and I am SUPER excited! We are taking a small group of HS kids, but it's going to be a blast. I seriously love working with VERB (our youth group)!!

The leaves are changing color and the air is getting crisp. Today is a great fall day around us...it's about 65 and windy...so all the leaves are falling and blowing around! It relaxes me...until I think that I probably won't sit down till 9 pm tonight...but I am sure I'll still be having fun! :)

What are you looking forward to?

Friday, September 25, 2009

It's happening...

April writing...



and I am just giddy with excitement :)

I know!!!!

April writing...

I totally meant to tell you I was taking a week off. That would have at least released me from some bloggy guilt. I just needed a break...like an actual one...not a 'oops I haven't blogged in a while' on accident break.

I have stuff to blog. With pictures and such. Coming Monday :)

Hip, hip, hoorahhh!

*ps. please still love me!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sew...what's up?

April writing...

Here are some of the sewing projects I have completed recently...

The first two here are ruffle-tee shirts I made for Cuppycake...(one has a matching headband...






This little number was created for another friend of mine...and her sweet little newborn Catherine.






I love them!! Can't wait to do more!

Shut up.

April writing...



At Target.

Me wants one.

with some of these...Wall Flowers.


Just for fun...

April writing...

1. Who was your first prom date?
My first and only prom date was Steven.

2. Do you still talk to your first love?
I do on occasion.

3. What was your first alcoholic drink?
Some wine cooler...blehhh.

4. What was your first job?
Working as a secretary at my church. I loved it!

5. What was your first car?
I don't even know the year...but it was a red Subaru wagon. I hated that thing. I had to learn stick shift on it, and carry full 2 liter bottles of water in the back in case if overheated (which it did alot!)...horrible memories.

6. Who was the first person to text you today?
Cory.

7. Who was the first person you thought of this morning?
Manda Rose...I knew I needed to get ahold of her.

8. Who was your first grade teacher?
I have no clue.

9. Where did you go on your first flight in a plane?
I believe my first plane ride took me to Tennessee to visit my Grandparents.

10. Who was your first best friend and do you still talk?
I will answer it this way, my first best friend that I still talk to is Terri :)

11. Where was your first sleepover?
Who knows...I started at an early age!

12. Who was the first person you talked to today?
Husby.

13. Whose wedding were you in for the first time?
Tammy E. (my sister-in-law)

14. What was the first thing you did this morning?
Washed my hairs.

15. What was the first concert you went to?
haha. *slightly embarrassed* Carmen. I believe it was the "Addicted to Jesus" tour. Yep.

16. First tattoo?
None.

17. First piercing?
Ears. When I was 17- almost 18.

18. First foreign country you went to?
Aruba.

19. First movie you remember seeing?
Oh my...probably some Disney classic.

20. What state (province) did you first live in?
Texas.

21. Who was your first room mate?
Husby :)

22. When was your first detention?
I believe it was in Elementary School...after I punched a boy for calling my friend a very dirty name.

23. When was your first kiss?
I was 16ish.

24. What is one thing you would learn, given the chance?
How to take great pictures with an SLR camera.

25. Who will be the next person to post this?
Who knows...

But let's find out!
IT'S YOUR TURN!!

Post this to your blog and leave a comment with a link to your post!!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

I make Lists.

April writing...



I have a sickness. I make lists...for...everything. Groceries. Things to Do. Meal planning. Event planning. Songs to download. Blogs to read.

It's pretty ridonc.

I just noticed today...as I cleaned out my purse...that I have about 8 lists for the Ladies Tea (happening this weekend) alone. They all basically say the same thing too. For some reason I just re-wrote them...repeatedly.

So I guess I have two sicknesses...Making the lists and the need to Re-write the lists!

It's all a show really. I mean, after I make the list I feel more organized, but I'm not really any more organized that before I made my list. I could probably just rattle off some things in my head and be in about the same place.

I just re-wrote my Tea list for the 9th time and I feel no more prepared. I still feel like when I go shopping tonight...I will still forget something.

Ugh.

Lists...can't live with 'em...can't live without 'em.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Fun stuff...

April writing...


My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

**too bad they didn't have any dogs to choose from...

With a Heavy Heart........

Cory Writing.....

My Friends and Family....

This morning I write this blog with a very heavy heart and I am not quite sure why. All I know is I will not be able to sleep until I write this blog. I believe God is wanting to speak to someone. I am not sure who, but if this is for you I hope you find it strengthening and it gets you through the valley you find yourself in.

As most of you know my wife and I have been trying desperately to have a child. It hasn't happened for us YET, but we are not discouraged and we still know God is on the throne. We still have our questions that aren't getting answered and we don't really understand why it hasn't happened yet, but all we know is we are trusting in our all mighty God.

My wife and I both have had many people come to us and say, "I don't know how you guys do it, but you guys are so strong. I wouldn't be able to be as strong as you are. Why are you guys able to be so strong?"

I haven't been able to answer that question, until now. The other night I was at work and it was a particularly slow night, so I was listening to one of my Pastor Friends (I don't personally know him, except through blogs, emails, and his preaching, but I consider him a friend.) His name is Pete Wilson and he is a Pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN http://withoutwax.tv/2009/09/15/a-labor-of-love/

He recently did a sermon series titled Q Questions about life and God. This sermon series was based on questions people in his church submitted. He took these questions and dealt with one topic a week. All the sermons were really great, but one sermon really stuck out it my mind and really put into words why my wife and I are able to hold our head up high even though God has not blessed us with a child just yet. This particular service is titled: "Why Do People Suffer?"

Please don't take my words as boasting or being proud, but I am trying to share a nugget that has helped my wife and I through this difficult time and I am hoping it will help you through your difficult time. So please watch this video and I hope it will touch you to your inner core and help you get through this valley.



Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Can you find me??

April writing...

I MADE IT...remember back in this post when I told you I signed up for the Shades of Summer project over at Just Us?

Well my picture finally made it back to Elizabeth and it has been posted on her site!! I am so EXCITED!!!

Go check it out!

See if you can find me!!

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

Let's do a Top 5 Tuesday post...



This week's prompt: What are your top 5 Favorite things about Fall

5. The falling leaves (except for having to rake them!)
4. Carving pumpkins
3. The smell of Apple Pie and Mulled Cider
2. The crispness in the air.
1. Wearing SCARVES!

*Go ahead, grab the Top 5 Tuesdays button/picture and participate on your blog today! Leave a comment with a link to your Top 5 Tuesday post!!*



Where do they come from?

April writing...

...the ideas that is. I have so many of them.



Whether I get inspired by other people, come up with a fresh idea on my own or just do a repeat of something that worked great another time!

There's not enough room in my head...and I feel like I am going to burst. People who know me, know that I am full of ideas...inspirations and what not and even ya'll don't know the half of it! There are things floating around in this head of mine that I haven't even spit out yet!

Here are a few ideas that I bought off that shady guy up there...this first idea came from another blog and I TOTALLY wanna start one!! "Apron Chicks" - a fun way for the girls to get together and bake! Who doesn't LOVE to bake!! Each person comes, brings a part of the recipe and we all wear aprons! *cute aprons at that...potentially homemade ones... (that's obviously another idea...making aprons...gesh!)

Then...VERB tee-shirt designs...I have so many in my head...but getting them down on paper and designing them in Photoshop...that's another story. I am still kind of a novice with Photoshop, so I can't always MAKE what I see in my head. So...working on that one.

...and then there are the numerous sewing projects and home decor ideas...GOOD GRIEF. I have so many, but most of them take a little fundage...you know, for supplies. Fabric, paint, etc.

So all these ideas (and many, many more) are swirling around in my head!!! It's pandemonium in there!

What ideas do you have?!?!

Monday, September 14, 2009

R.I.P.



Patrick Swayze
August 1952 - September 14, 2009

Project 365 - Week 22

April writing...




Day 148 - September 6, 2009 Cuddle time...Pickle-Bear has been really lovely-dovey lately, I took some time tonight to get down and cuddle with him, boy did he appreciate it!



Day 149 - September 7, 2009 Labor Indoor-Day...Well the rain kept the S'more portion of our day indoor, however we handled it well...with the indoor s'more maker!



Day 150 - September 8, 2009 Hammies...during a visit to Petsmart for food and OD got us over to see the Hamsters....they were so cute. These were my favorite running back and forth!



Day 151 - September 9, 2009 Lil' birdie...this little cutie was found outside my office building. He had an injured eye. The county animal control came and picked him up, hopefully to take care of him!



Day 152 - September 10, 2009 Critter...can you spot the critter that is sitting in my planter?



Day 153 - September 11, 2009 Taking over...there is this vine. It popped up in my stairs planter...I have NO clue what it is...but it's making it's way to the "E." It will take over soon!



Day 154 - September 12, 2009 Bust...our yard sale. Total waste. No customers, not even drive by creepers...no sales. Boo.

The Modern Day Princess

April writing...

I was stumbling today...and came across these goodies. Thought provoking ehh?

"Further perverting the traditional fairytale, someone wisely said "happily ever after is so once upon a time", and Canadian photographer Dina Goldstein seems to agree with that concept.

This series place Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the Princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. The "…happily ever after" is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues that affect real women, such as illness, addiction and self-image issues."


Snow White


Sleeping Beauty


Rapunzel


Little Red Riding Hood


Princess Jasmine


Cinderella


Belle


Ariel

Seems a bit pessimistic to me to think that "Happily Ever After" is a thing of the past...what are your thoughts?

Simple

April writing...



Simple, no? Thoughts?
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